Your health is one of the most important things in the world. Even though healthcare professionals want the best for you, sometimes you might not agree with the recommendation of your doctor. What would you do if you’re in this situation?
You might want to consider getting a second opinion. This is the situation in which you would want to be seen by another doctor and find out whether the initial diagnosis and/or recommended treatment stays the same. Asking for a second opinion might be a right move in the following situations:
- The patient-doctor relationship is irreparable
- Your diagnosis and/or treatment plan is still unclear
- You would like to explore other treatment options
- You want more assurance about the initial recommendation
- The treatment doesn’t have the wanted effect
As far as I’m aware, as a patient you have the right to choose a different doctor. Whenever you do request for a second opinion, ask you initial doctor to share the medical report (including the diagnosis and treatment plan) with you and the other doctor. I hope you don’t feel the need to ask for a second opinion, but sometimes it might be necessary…
Consider reading this interesting blog posts on the same topic: Navigating medical customer service – a reprise
Featured image credits: Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash
Science, Cancer and Medicine 