I'm a big believer in everyone's right to a second opinion in medical matters. As far as I'm concerned, two heads are nearly always better than one.
But, as lots of letters I receive reveal, many people are terrified at the thought of questioning their doctor. In fact, latest figures show half of all patients don't bother to seek a second opinion - even when they have serious concerns about their diagnosis.
Taking charge of your health With something as serious as cancer treatment or a heart-bypass operation, having the input of another expert is good sense.
Most doctors would agree with me. When you're having your car repaired, if it sounds too expensive or you doubt their expertise, you'll take it to another garage for a different viewpoint.
Surely your health it worth the same degree of care?
So, although the NHS does not guarantee you a legal right to a second opinion, if you're genuinely concerned you should not only ask for one, you should stand your ground and make sure you get one.
Good reasonsto ask for a second opinion..
/ If you don't get along with your doctor
/ If you have serious doubts about your doctor
/ If your doctor dismisses your complaint as trivial but you're still concerned
/ If you are dissatisfied with your doctor's explanation of your symptoms
/ If your doctor says nothing more can be done
/ If your doctor has reached the limit of his or her expertise and it's time for specialist input - this is why we have a referral system
/ If you'd simply prefer to hear another medical opinion before you take the plunge when it come to a serious treatment - for example, when considering cancer care
/ If you don't get along with your doctor
/ If you have serious doubts about your doctor
/ If your doctor dismisses your complaint as trivial but you're still concerned
/ If you are dissatisfied with your doctor's explanation of your symptoms
/ If your doctor says nothing more can be done
/ If your doctor has reached the limit of his or her expertise and it's time for specialist input - this is why we have a referral system
/ If you'd simply prefer to hear another medical opinion before you take the plunge when it come to a serious treatment - for example, when considering cancer care
How to get it
Try another GP If you don't need a specialist opinion, but simply want the view of another GP, just make an appointment with a different doctor at your practice.
Most surgeries now have their own website so it's worth looking online to find out the names of other doctors there and what their areas of special interest are.
If your health problem is related to family planning, for example, you may find a different doctor in your practice has a lot of experience in this area. Then simply book yourself an appointment with them.
If your practice doesn't have a website, the receptionist should be able to give you a leaflet with the relevant information.
Another option is to ask for the opinion of a GP outside your practice but this usually means either registering at a new practice or paying to see a GP privately.
Ask to see a specialist
You can't get a second opinion from a specialist on the NHS without a GP referral so the first step is to talk to your doctor. Explain that you still don't know what's wrong or you're not responding to current treatment and ask to see a specialist in this area - most doctors will happily refer you on.
You can't get a second opinion from a specialist on the NHS without a GP referral so the first step is to talk to your doctor. Explain that you still don't know what's wrong or you're not responding to current treatment and ask to see a specialist in this area - most doctors will happily refer you on.
Do a little research before you go, so you know the correct name or "ologist" to ask for - for example, a dermatologist (a skin specialist) or a gynaecologist (an specialist in women's reproductive health). If you're nervous about challenging your doctor, take someone with you - a pushy friend or, better still, your partner.
Unfair though it might be, research shows that women get better results and are given more information if they take a man with them in this situation.
Still not happy?
If your GP refuses point blank to refer you to a specialist for a second opinion, or if you're unhappy with your treatment, you do have a right to complain.
If your GP refuses point blank to refer you to a specialist for a second opinion, or if you're unhappy with your treatment, you do have a right to complain.
First, ask about the complaints procedure in your GP practice and follow that.
If this doesn't produce a satisfactory response, you can contact the GP council in your NHS Trust area and explain you want to be referred to a specialist but your doctor has refused.
You can also contact the Patients Association for advice (visit www.patients-association.org.uk).
When to stop
Although you have the right to a second opinion, there are times when you should accept your diagnosis...
/ If your doctor's refusal to refer makes sense
/ If your doctor explains that he feels referring you will simply put you through unnecessary tests and investigations, which are unlikely to reveal anything helpful and only cause further worry, it's probably with good reason.
/ If all opinions you hear sound the same
/ While a second opinion and possibly a third can be useful, if you're craving a fourth viewpoint it's time to stop. If three doctors have come up with the same diagnosis, it's probably the correct one. And, if several doctors have failed to find anything wrong, you should feel reassured and put to bed any nagging worries.
Although you have the right to a second opinion, there are times when you should accept your diagnosis...
/ If your doctor's refusal to refer makes sense
/ If your doctor explains that he feels referring you will simply put you through unnecessary tests and investigations, which are unlikely to reveal anything helpful and only cause further worry, it's probably with good reason.
/ If all opinions you hear sound the same
/ While a second opinion and possibly a third can be useful, if you're craving a fourth viewpoint it's time to stop. If three doctors have come up with the same diagnosis, it's probably the correct one. And, if several doctors have failed to find anything wrong, you should feel reassured and put to bed any nagging worries.
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