A second opinion—when another doctor examines your medical records and gives his or her views about your condition and how it should be treated—is a valuable tool.

When you have an important decision to make, you most likely gather information on the pros and cons and potential risks and benefits of going in one direction or another.

When you’re making a medical decision, especially one regarding surgery or treatment for a serious condition, the best way to obtain more information is to get a second opinion from another doctor.

“Perhaps the most important thing you get from a second opinion is reassurance of your diagnosis and recommended treatment because another qualified physician has taken a look at your test results and come to the same conclusion,” says Carolyn Clancy, M.D., director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in Rockville, Md. “Of course, if a different recommendation is made, this added information can help you explore and understand your options.”

Here are strategies for seeking a useful second opinion.

When to Take a Second Look
Most people get a second opinion when surgery is suggested, often because their insurance company requires and pays for it. In fact, some health plans reduce or even eliminate the benefits paid for surgery if a second opinion isn’t obtained.

However, the following situations also warrant a second opinion:

• You’ve been given a serious diagnosis, such as cancer, heart disease, or a brain tumor.
• Your doctor suggests you have a diagnostic test that you aren’t comfortable with because of potential risks or costs.
• You’ve been told by your doctor that nothing can be done to treat your condition.
• You have uncertainties about your doctor’s diagnosis or treatment.

Take Your Time
Sometimes it’s hard not to have a sense of urgency about beginning treatment, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

“However, there are only a few lifethreatening situations, such as acute major trauma or appendicitis, where a decision to operate must be made right away,” says Clancy.

Because most cancer cases don’t require immediate decisions, you have time to get a second or even a third opinion if you feel it’s necessary.

Bring Your Records
The doctor providing the second opinion will want to review all your X-rays, pathology reports, and copies of all previous tests, consultations, opinions, and hospital records that pertain to your immediate condition. The consultant will examine you and go over his or her conclusions with you in detail. He or she also will send a report to your physician.

Don’t Hesitate
It’s your right to ask for a second opinion at any time and for any reason, and there’s no need to feel bad about asking for another set of eyes to review your case.

“It’s all in how you bring it up,” says Clancy. “Say something like, ‘This is a serious diagnosis and I’d like to talk with another physician, as well. I’d appreciate it if you could give me the name of someone to call.’ ”

To help ensure you get an independent opinion, ask your doctor to recommend someone who’s not in the same practice, or you can contact your health insurance company.

“Make your request thoughtfully and your doctor is likely to respond in kind,” says Clancy. “Then move forward in good faith.”

Barbara Floria spoke with Carolyn Clancy, M.D., director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in Rockville, Md. For more information, visit www.ahrq.gov.

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