Doubts and uncertainty are common after getting big news about your health. Learning you may need complicated treatment or hearing statistics about your prognosis can be overwhelming. You may even want to ask your doctor, "Are you sure?"
For many people, getting a second opinion from another healthcare professional can help. It can provide reassurance that they're getting the full picture of their condition and how to treat it.
But second opinions aren't used as often as they could be. Many people misunderstand how to ask for them or don't even know they're an option.
Here's a look at the most common myths about second opinions — and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Second opinions are a waste of time
It's common for a second opinion to change the course of your healthcare journey. One study found that diagnoses were changed or made clearer 87% of the time with a second opinion. Researchers say that a second opinion can have a major impact on the health of over half of patients with lung cancer.
Asking for a referral to a specialist or a different healthcare professional is often worth your time. Even in cases of a serious diagnosis that needs treatment right away, there is usually time to get a second opinion.
Myth 2: Healthcare professionals are offended when you ask for a second opinion
Doctors and specialists are used to being asked for second opinions — in some cases, they may even suggest it. They also can give you recommendations for another healthcare professional to review your case.
Getting a second opinion doesn't mean that you don't trust your doctor. Sometimes you simply need a specialist. Primary care doctors may not know all the options for diagnosis or treatment.
And getting a different diagnosis doesn't always mean that your first doctor was wrong. Sometimes a specialist at a different hospital may simply have access to more diagnostic tools, education or treatment options.
Myth 3: Asking for a second opinion isn't common
If you need more information or reassurance, you're not alone. As many as 1 in 6 people ask for a second opinion after visiting a doctor. That number rises to over 1 in 3 people who are diagnosed with cancer.
Experts say that those numbers would be higher if more people understood that getting a second opinion is an option available to them.
Myth 4: Second opinions are only used to confirm or change a diagnosis
People may seek a second opinion to:
- Get help if treatment isn't working as well as expected.
- See a specialist about a rare condition.
- Learn about different treatment options from a healthcare team that's dedicated to treating a certain condition, like heart failure.
- Get reassurance that their treatment decision is the right one.
- Find a healthcare professional they trust.
Myth 5: Health insurance will never pay for a second opinion
Contact your health insurance company before seeking a second opinion. They may cover all or some of the cost if your diagnosis is unclear. Some insurance companies even require you to get a second opinion before they cover your treatment.
In some cases, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover a second and even third opinion for surgeries.
Myth 6: Getting a second opinion is a stressful process
There are a few basic steps to getting a second opinion:
- Decide what the goal of the second opinion is. Do you want reassurance that your diagnosis is correct? Or do you want to find out if there are more treatment options?
- Ask your doctor or specialist for a referral. Or you may find another healthcare professional through your insurance company.
- Call your insurance company to see if they'll cover the second opinion.
- Send your records and test results to the new clinic before your appointment.
- Share notes from your second opinion with your first doctor.
If you're feeling hesitant about your medical care, getting a second opinion may be the answer. Most people say they feel reassured after getting a second opinion, whether or not their diagnosis or treatment options changed.