Before you begin treatment, you may want to make sure of your diagnosis and know that your treatment plan is the best one for you. Getting a second opinion is a good way to explore your options. Going to see a second doctor is a recommended and acceptable practice, and your doctor should have no objections.
Reasons to Get a Second Opinion
Some health insurance companies may require you to get a second opinion. Their concerns revolve around costs, but your concerns may center primarily on getting the most effective treatment. If you question your diagnosis, or your surgical options, if you're unsure about how well chemotherapy or radiation will work for you, go visit another doctor. Differences of personality and communication style may impact your doctor-patient relationship, which should be based in trust and confidence. So look around if you have the option.Timing Your Second Opinion
First, call your health insurance company and make sure they will cover some of the cost of getting a second opinion. Your insurance may require that you choose a doctor within their network of providers, otherwise the whole cost will be up to you. You can get another opinion at several points during your cancer journey: after your initial diagnosis, before treatment starts, and even during treatment.Medical Records, Medications, Memos
Your second opinion doctor may not see your medical records unless you sign a release form, permitting your information to be shared with them. If you're keeping a medical records notebook, with copies of test results, reports, and your own notes, bring this along. Gather all the medications that you're taking, as well as vitamins and supplements, and take those with you. If you're already into treatment, write up a summary of your prior treatment, with dates, doctor's names, and outcomes. No matter when a woman goes for a second opinion, she should have a list of questions to ask, says Lynn Schuchter, M.D., an oncologist with the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania.More Opinions Are Better
A study published in 2001 by oncologists at University of Pennsylvania found that the team-based approach to breast cancer treatment gave patients more options and better information than only one opinion from one physician. Dr. Schuchter, who participated in the study, says, "Getting a second opinion is always a good thing, and it doesn't mean you have to get your care there, but your whole [diagnostic and treatment planning] process can be reviewed." Getting a second opinion ensures that you won't get a 'one size fits all' treatment plan, which may result in more appropriate treatment and better quality of life.Sources:
Should I Get a Second Opinion? American Cancer Society. Last Revised: 09/11/2008.Second Opinions. American Cancer Society. Revised: 04/01/08.
The impact of a multidisciplinary breast cancer center on recommendations for patient management. Cancer, Volume 91 Issue 7, Pages 1231 – 1237. Published Online: 27 Mar 2001.
