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Asking for second opinion Asking for a second opinion is not a legal right, but most doctors will be happy to refer you. If you are unsure about anything to do with your diagnosis or treatment, you can always ask for another appointment with your GP or consultant.

If you request a second opinion about care you received from your primary care physician, the second opinion will be provided by a physician within the same medical group or Independent Practice Association (IPA) as your primary care physician.

Today, it is widely agreed that, unless it may delay a life-saving intervention, patients have a right to an independent second opinion [18], and that second opinions may lower health care costs while reducing both over-and under-treatment [19].

Being prepared for a second opinion appointment is important. After all, you're meeting with a provider who doesn't know you, your medical history, or your current diagnosis. Make sure you tell their office that you're coming in for a second opinion and ask what medical records you should deliver to them in advance.

If your GP agrees to refer you to a new consultant, the consultant will be told that this is for a second opinion. They may request any relevant test results or x-rays previously carried out. If you want to be treated by the new consultant, this will need to be arranged with the new consultant and their hospital.

What happens after I get a second opinion? If your doctor and your second opinion doctor agree on your diagnosis, then the course is clear. However, you'll still want to sort through any differences of opinion on treatment options. If your doctor and your second opinion doctor don't agree, take in both perspectives.

In 2017, a study showed that 21% of patients who sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic left with a completely new diagnosis, and 66% were deemed partly correct, but refined or redefined by the second doctor.

A second opinion is when you visit another doctor, medical specialist or healthcare professional to ask for their opinion. You can compare the medical advice and see if the second opinion is similar or the same as your regular doctor or specialist.

A second opinion refers to a fresh interpretation of a given diagnosis or treatment plan indicated by another doctor. Obtaining a second opinion can increase your confidence in your diagnosis and treatment plans and ensure you choose a physician you have a comfortable rapport with.