The Value of a Second Opinion

When your health care provider recommends surgery or a major procedure or treatment, it's smart to get a second opinion from another expert. But, how do you know a second opinion is in order? And how do you go about getting one? Here are some answers to these and other important questions.

When should you get a second opinion?

Don't waste time checking out options if you need emergency treatment. But if your provider suggests non-emergency surgery or a major medical test, it can be worthwhile to get a second opinion for any of the following reasons:

• Your diagnosis is unclear.

• You've been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition.

• You have multiple medical problems.

• The recommended treatment is risky, controversial or experimental.

• You have a choice of treatments or medical tests that vary widely in cost.

• You're not responding to a treatment as expected.

• You have lost confidence in your medical care provider.

• Your health plan requires a second opinion.

Just feeling uncertain about having surgery or a major procedure may be reason enough. After all, no one physician knows everything about all conditions, or about all the new breakthroughs in treatment being reported.

How can a second opinion save money?

"There's nothing worse than having to redo surgery or having complications from unnecessary treatment," says Herman Kattlove, M.D., a medical oncologist with the American Cancer Society based in Los Angeles. "If getting a second opinion helps you avoid unneeded surgery, you'll avoid having to pay the related out-of-pocket costs. You'll also save yourself from the risks of surgery and any time needed to recuperate."

Most health insurance plans will pay for a second opinion, but be sure to contact your plan beforehand to find out for sure. In some cases, if you don't get a second opinion for a procedure, you may have to pay a higher percentage of the cost.

Where should you start?

If you opt for a second opinion, it's a good rule to consult someone with at least the same level of expertise in your health condition as your current health care provider. Consider contacting a specialist; your current provider may be able to suggest someone.

"Many studies show that being evaluated by a specialist tends to lower costs," says

Dr. Kattlove. "This is because a specialist knows just where to aim diagnostic tests, whereas a general practitioner may not."

Even better, he stresses, consult someone at an institution specializing in your condition, such as a cancer treatment center or a heart surgery center. Such centers will have the latest in healing technology, and a team of experts may be readily available to review your case.

What should you tell your doctor?

Most doctors will acknowledge their patients' right to a second opinion, so you just need to be honest and straightforward.

Be sure to ask for your medical records so you can share them with the second physician. By law, your doctor must provide these records to you. You may have to pay a fee to have the copies made.

What should you ask the second doctor?

Dr. Kattlove suggests:

• Is the diagnosis correct?

• What are my choices, and the pros and cons of each?

• What would happen if I waited or chose no treatment?

• What should I do with the results? If the second doctor agrees with the first, you can proceed with more confidence.

"But if the opinion differs, look at the training and background of each doctor," says Dr. Kattlove. "Whom do you trust the most? Investigate to see which choice makes the most sense."