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Call your insurance company to make sure they will pay for a second opinion.
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You might ask your doctor…
l H ow certain are you about the diagnosis? Should an additional expert review my results? l If you were in my position, who would you see about a second opinion?
l A second opinion would really give me confidence that I’m doing everything I can — who would you suggest I see? l Before we start treatment, I’d like to talk to someone about other options to make sure it’s the best choice for me. Will you help me?
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Share your information… Once you’ve made an appointment with your second opinion doctor, call your current doctor’s office, or any hospitals or clinics you have been to, and ask them to send over your:
l Medical history l Pathology report from any biopsy or surgery — Providing the actual pathology slides for re-review by the second opinion team may be helpful l A copy of your operative report (if you had surgery)
l Any imaging or test results l A copy of the discharge summary if you were in the hospital l A summary of your doctor’s current treatment plan l A list of all your drugs, drug doses and when you took them
Make the best choice for you… After the doctor gives you their second opinion, the decision is up to you and your loved ones who support you. You will want to pick the treatment option that seems right to you. It might help to discuss the two opinions with your primary care doctor. In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has named 70 centers throughout the US as “NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.” These 70 centers are recognized for their scientific leadership, resources and the expertise of their research.
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Click here to find an NCI-Designated Cancer Center in your area, and learn more about getting a second opinion.
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