Getting a Good Second Opinion

Right Choice Index

Page Contents

When should you seek
a second opinion?

Getting a good second
opinion

Questions to ask during
a second opinion
appointment

Key points to remember
about second opinions

Getting started

Site Contents

Patients & visitors

Medical professionals

Yale-New Haven
Children's Hospital

General information

Calendar

Online resource

Press information

Phone Numbers

Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242

Patient Information
(203) 688-4177

Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222

Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333

Admitting
(203) 688-2221

Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331

Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907

Mailing address:

Yale-New Haven Hospital
20 York Street
New Haven, CT 06504

Americans today are taking more responsibility for managing their own health care. They are becoming more informed about their medical problems and treatment options and playing an active role in every decision with their doctors. Increasingly, consumers are seeking second opinions, showing the strong value Americans place on being in control of their health.

When should you seek a second opinion?
Because of the increase in medical knowledge and new treatments, it is difficult for any one physician to be aware of all the latest information. One result is patients and their physicians together are seeking second opinions so better and more informed decisions can be made.

For minor health problems, second opinions are usually unnecessary. However, a second opinion is probably a good idea if you are:

Having major surgery
Questioning whether surgery is the only option
Unhappy that your regular doctor can't diagnose your problem
Having trouble talking with your current doctor(s)
Not seeing improvement in your medical condition
Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer, heart disease or brain tumor
Told a second surgery is recommended
Having multiple medical problems

Getting a good second opinion
Some physicians disagree about whether you should get a "blind" second opinion (when medical records, test results and first physician's opinion are not made available to the second doctor) or if this information should be shared with the second opinion doctor. The advantage of the "blind" second opinion is that it cannot be influenced by previous information. The disadvantage is that your second opinion doctor may not be able to tell you why his/her opinion is different without knowing the basis of the first doctor's opinion. A third option is to provide test results, X-rays and other information without the first doctor's written diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Most second opinion doctors prefer knowing the first opinion, but they can still provide a good second opinion if they can at least review previous X-rays, test results and medical records. This information is helpful as it often provides clues and baselines to compare to new test results.

Questions to ask during a second opinion appointment

Is there any chance the medical problem could have a different diagnosis?
Are there any alternative forms of treatment available?
What are the likely results if you wait or don't have the treatment?
What are the risks associated with the treatment(s)?
Are there any side effects or residual effects from each treatment option?
How is the treatment plan expected to improve your health or quality of life?
How long is the recovery period?
If the second opinion differs from the initial one, why? (It is important to understand the reasoning behind a medical opinion.)

Key points to remember about second opinions

Second opinions are your right as a patient.
Second opinions may be mandatory for certain conditions or procedures. Your insurance or health plan may reduce or eliminate the benefits paid if a second opinion is not obtained.
Most second opinions are voluntary and are usually paid for by your insurance or health plan. However, always check with your insurance or health plan for specific policies.
See an expert physician.
Benefits of a second opinion include more knowledge, understanding of new treatment options and reassurance and peace of mind that you are making the right decision.
Virtually every doctor gets a second opinion when they have a patient with a serious medical problem.

Getting started

Many patients are still uncomfortable asking their doctors about getting a second opinion.
They are afraid of hurting their doctors' feelings. A doctor should not be offended if you ask about a second opinion, but it really depends on how you bring it up. Start your conversation by stating that you need to gather as much information as possible to make an educated decision.
Ask your family doctor to give you the name of a specialist(s) who has a great deal of experience in diagnosing and treating your illness, or ask to be referred to a Yale-New Haven expert physician. Yale-New Haven has more than 1,700 specialists, many of whom are known nationally.
Each year, Yale-New Haven physicians perform thousands of second opinions for patients from all over the world.

Call (203) 688-2000 or toll free (888) 700-6543 to speak with a health information coordinator or request an appointment. You can also get physician information or request an appointment on this web site.

Last revised: October 12, 2004 (mv)