Being diagnosed with a medical condition, especially one that comes with the need to make decisions regarding your care and treatment, can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming time. Whether it's a heart condition, or an ailment of another system, it is important that you have a doctor that you trust, and with whom you feel comfortable.
After you have received a diagnosis, you may have questions about whether or not to get a second opinion.
Reasons to Consider a Second Opinion
Maybe the diagnosis is not something you expected, and you just want someone else to say the same words as a second check. Sometimes patients like to hear different opinions on what next steps in their treatment would be so they can make the most informed decision. Whatever the reason, the decision is yours, and it's perfectly normal to want to seek a second opinion.
You are in charge of the decisions that are made regarding your health. You owe it to yourself to feel comfortable with your decisions.
Some Advice from a Doctor
"Take charge of your health. Work with providers you trust to make decisions that are right for you." says Douglas Jacoby, MD, a preventive cardiologist at Penn Cardiology Cherry Hill and Penn Presbyterian Hospital.
How to Get a Second Opinion
A good place to begin when seeking a second opinion is your primary care provider or another trusted doctor that you may see. Friends and relatives are other great people to ask for recommendations of good doctors, especially if they have been treated with the same condition or know someone who has been.
Hospital's online physician profiles as well as unbiased medical listings can come in handy when finding out more information about the doctor that you end up choosing. You can find these publications online or at your local library - libraries often provide free access to these subscription based services. A good place to start is the American Medical Association and the American Heart Association. Further, specialty societies generally house listings of specialists in that area. For example, if you are looking for a Lipid Specialist, visit the National Lipid Association.
Be sure to check with your insurance company to make sure that the doctor that you have chosen is within your health insurance network so that you are not surprised by unexpected medical expenses.
Next Steps After Choosing a Doctor for a Second Opinion
Have all of your medical records forwarded to his or her office or get a complete set yourself and bring them with you as well as a copy of all relevant images/CD's to the appointment. Also bring with you a list of questions that you would like answered. This will allow for a more focused appointment. It will also ensure that you leave the appointment with a clearer second opinion.
It's also a good idea to bring someone with you to the appointment if at all possible. Having an extra set of ears and some extra support may alleviate some of the stress of meeting someone new and hearing their opinion. Take notes, and make sure you fully understand what the doctor has said. A friend or relative can make sure that you have an accurate recollection of the conversation.
What if the medical opinions differ?
A good question to ask yourself is: Does the plan of the initial doctor or the second doctor make the most sense, involve the least risk, and focus on the medical issues that are most important to you? Have trusted family and friends help you make the most informed decision and the one that is best for YOU. Every patient's situation is different and it is important that you are on board with the treatment plan that you ultimately choose.
Let Penn Medicine be your source for an expert second opinion.