How to get a proper second opinion on a medical diagnosis

Are you wondering if you should seed a second medical opinion? Overall, studies show that second opinions confirm the original diagnosis far more often than not. However, hearing another doctor say that your original diagnosis was accurate can provide peace of mind. There's a right way to go about seeking a second opinion here are some tips and what you need to know.

If you have a headache, and your doctor tells you to take two aspirin, you probably don't need to ask the top neurologist in your area to take another look. If you receive any kind of serious diagnosis, however, obtaining a second opinion is appropriate. Experts agree that getting another viewpoint always makes sense if:

• Your doctor recommends major surgery or any other invasive procedure.
• Your doctor diagnoses a rare or life-threatening disease.
• Your doctor is not experienced in treating your condition.
• You are unhappy with your current treatment.
• You have doubts about a diagnosis or believe you haven't been offered all available treatment options.

Reading up on your condition may tell you all you need to know.

• If you are willing to do your own research, you will get second, third, and fourth opinions in the literature other than what you received from your doctor.

You can ask the doctor who's treating you to refer you to another doctor for a second opinion. In most cases, your doctor won't be offended, since insurance providers often require you to obtain a second opinion before they will pay for certain procedures.

• In some cases, health plans cover the cost of seeking a second opinion even if they don't require you to do so.
• If your doctor refers you to a colleague down the hall, keep in mind that you may find yourself seated across the desk from his racquetball partner, or the two doctors may eat lunch together every day.

There's no sense in getting a second opinion from a doctor who has less experience and expertise than the one you've been seeing.

• Ask your family doctor for the names of leading specialists or call a major medical center with a reputation for treating your condition.

Don't forget, you can also contact local medical societies or medical schools and ask for the names of the best doctors in your area of concern. While it's important to sometimes get a second opinion, it's also important to get one from someone you can trust.