When facing a serious medical diagnosis, it's important to always seek a second opinion for not only piece of mind but to determine if the diagnosis and treatment options are correct.
When Should I Seek a Second Opinion?
You should always seek a second opinion when faced with a serious medical condition that requires surgery or other extreme treatment options.
You may feel nervous when telling your doctor you would like to seek a second opinion before going ahead with treatment for the reason that you might insult them, but seeking a second opinion is extremely important in certain cases. The truth is, your doctor will likely not be offended and will understand that you as a patient must feel comfortable with the care and treatment options recommended. Surprisingly, doctors themselves seek informal second opinions on their own patients!
What to Ask When Seeking a Second Opinion
Some questions you may want to ask your physician when seeking a second opinion include:
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Is my diagnosis correct?
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What do you recommend for a treatment plan? Is it the same treatment plan as my first consultation?
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Are there alternate treatment options?
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Which treatment plan is best for me and my diagnosis?
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How will my other health issues affect treatment?
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What complications do I face?
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Are there clinical trials available?
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What is my prognosis?
It's your right to ask for a second opinion so don't feel nervous or scared that you will offend your physician. Do what is best for you during this difficult time.