Second Opinions: When to Get One and Why It Could Save Your Life

Receiving a serious medical diagnosis is one of the most frightening moments of a person's life. And the instinct to act immediately, to start treatment right away, is completely understandable. But there is one step that can change everything before you commit to a treatment path: getting a second opinion. Studies suggest that second opinions result in significant changes to diagnosis or treatment plans in up to 21 percent of cases. That statistic alone is reason enough to make the call.

When You Should Always Seek a Second Opinion

agnosis does not feel right or does not match your symptoms, when the recommended treatment carries significant risks or side effects, or when you have a rare disease where specialists may have more specific expertise. You should also seek one if treatment is not working as expected or if you simply do not feel confident in the plan you have been given.

Will My Doctor Be Offended?

not be offended. In fact, most experienced physicians expect and respect second opinion requests for serious diagnoses. You can simply say: "I value your expertise and I want to feel completely confident in my treatment plan. I am going to seek a second opinion to make sure I have considered all my options." If your doctor responds negatively, that itself is important information about whether this is the right provider for you.

How Nash Patient Advocacy Helps You Get the Right Second Opinion

pecialist for your specific situation. As your patient advocate, I help you identify the most qualified providers in the Carolinas and beyond, organize and transmit your medical records for review, prepare the right questions for the consultation, and help you compare and understand the different recommendations you receive. You deserve to make life decisions with full information.