Ask for a Second Opinion

Stan, 48, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The endocrinologist recommended surgery to remove the thyroid. Stan asked for a second opinion. “Both doctors recommended the surgery...I wanted to be sure that surgery was the right decision.”

Read Stan’s story.

Research shows that second opinions often result in better health care. You can get a second opinion from a doctor who has training and experience with your problem.

Topics on this page

• You have the right to get a second opinion when
• How to get a second opinion
• If you want to go outside your plan
• When you talk with the second doctor
• After you get the second opinion

You have the right to get a second opinion when

• You are unsure about your diagnosis.
• You are unsure which treatment to choose.
• The treatment you are on is not working.

How to get a second opinion

The process is similar to the process for other referrals.

• Usually your doctor refers you to another doctor in your medical group.
• To see a doctor outside the medical group, you usually need pre-approval from your plan.

If you want to go outside your plan

You may want to consult an expert who is outside your plan. Your plan may not pay for this, unless you show that no one in the plan has the expertise you need.

• Call a hospital or medical facility that is a leader in your treatment or problem and ask for names. Or call the national society or association that addresses your problem.
• You can even send your records—or e-mail them if you can get an electronic version from your doctor—to a doctor in another area. You can get the second opinion over the phone.

When you talk with the second doctor

• Give the doctor your test results. Or send them ahead of time.
• Briefly tell the doctor about your problem or treatment.
• Do not tell this doctor what the first doctor recommends. Let the doctor make her own recommendations.
• Let the second doctor ask questions.

After you get the second opinion

If the second opinion is different from the first, review it with your doctor. If you still don’t know what to do, you can seek a third opinion.

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