When getting a second opinion, are you supposed to tell the doctor that you are !


Question: When getting a second opinion, are you supposed to tell the doctor that you are getting a second opinion?
I went with my mom to the doctor to get a second opinion on something, and we told the new doctor that we are getting a second opinion and immediately he said "Well, I don't want to go against what my colleague has said, so I agree with him". He didn't even bother to examine her. Did we make a mistake in telling him that we were getting a second opinion?

Answers:

I often ask myself this too when getting a second opinion. Not for cancer but other minor things. The last time I got a second opinion it was a totally completely different opinion. And the second opinion doctor was right. I didn't tell her at first but after she "diagnosed" me, I said I didn't want to be sneaky and lie but I had already been diagnosed with something I didn't think I had, and didn't want to sway her medical opinion. After hearing my first diagnoses, she understood.

I have been seeing a neurologist for migraines over the past year and wanted to get a second opinion. I called 3 different doctors and they all had different policies. One only accepts them from a referral from the first doctor, one won't give a second opinion if the original doctor is in the same practice and the other would gladly do it after they received all my medical records and test results.

So I guess I would suggest asking when you call to schedule an appointment. Let them know that you are wanting a second opinion and ask their policy on it. Doctors who share the same practice normally won't give second opinions because that would be admitting their colleague could be wrong, and they don't want to admit that. Good doctors wouldn't care and would want to diagnose you correctly.



Well that is pretty unprofessional I hope you didn’t for that bit of nothing.
If you want a true second opinion the second doctor would know as you would be giving them all of the medical records to review.
Any decent doctor not only does not mind second opinions they welcome them.

I am a cancer registrar.



I'm thinking just maybe you've misunderstood what the 2nd dr said...because no dr would ever say that, esp without even an exam... Any dr will tell anyone they are more than free to get a second opinion.

Oh the 2nd dr didn't have the files from the 1st dr?? Well then, it's more likely he wants those to compare his findings to. My newest dr has all my info from my still current dr. They aren't in the business for competition, nor do they kowtow to other drs in their area of expertise.



It doesn't matter just go outside of his office. I would definitely tell the second doc and give him all of your workups and chart info. as to that date.
Second and third multiple opinions are common especially in more advanced diseases. You may consider finding a physician that utilizes a treatment peer group(board) approach.

I prefer to see specialists that work in teams. These can be allot more common at the large teaching hospitals.

Cancer survivor



You'd better not say that at first cause it may sometimes affect his diagnosis, but tell him after he examined you.
But notice that doctors need your medical history for the best decision ,so if you go to a new doctor you should tell him all you think he needs to know.
Hope this helps

MD student



Whilst is is possible you may have been misdiagnosed it is most likely the second doctor felt either his experience or knowledge was inferior to that of the first doctor. Next time only tell him if he asks.




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