How do I get a second opinion?
admin | Jul 25, 2011 | Comments 0
Getting a second opinion may require some effort on your part. Your gynecologist can provide a recommendation. But it is probably wise to seek an opinion outside of your physician’s own office, especially if your doctor is part of a group practice with other gynecologists. It is likely that they have discussed your case and already share a similar opinion on how it should be handled.
Ideally, it is best to seek a second opinion at a major teaching hospital (which is an institution where medical students, interns, and residents are trained). There you will find expert physicians on staff who would be willing to evaluate your case. Another way of finding a physician is to ask friends or family members, especially women who have had a medical problem similar to your own. If that route is not feasible, you can contact the local medical societies in your area or go online to the Web site of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acorg.org), which maintains a database of member physicians throughout the United States. You may also elect to ask your family physician to refer you to another doctor for a second opinion.
What if the second opinion differs from the first?
You are an active participant in your health care, and when two doctors render completely different opinions, it is not a time for you to shy away in confusion. You should ask both physicians how they reached their conclusions, and why each has such divergent recommendations. You may also want to seek a third opinion. A third opinion that corroborates one of the first two may provide guidance on which path would be the best for you to take.
What medical information do I give the second gynecologist?
All of the medical information that has been gathered in your case is relevant for a second opinion. That information includes your medical records, ultrasound images, medication history, the outcome of previous alternative procedures, and your own oral history of your pain and/or abnormal bleeding. You can request as many opinions as you wish. As mentioned in the previous answer, two differing opinions can seem confusing, leaving the patient uncertain as to which physician is offering the best medical judgment in her case. When patients become their own health advocates, they actively seek answers to their questions.
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