Get a Second Opinion
A cancer diagnosis is devastating and scary for the patient as well as his or her family and friends. That's why it's important to arm yourself with all of the information and a variety of options as you begin your battle. Hall-Perrine Cancer Center welcomes new patients who are interested in obtaining a second opinion.
What is a Second Opinion?
Getting a second opinion – having another doctor or specialist review your case – is a good way to make sure you're covering all of your bases. Doing so can confirm your diagnosis or the treatment plan your doctor has determined for you. It's also good to have a different perspective as some doctors are conservative while others are more aggressive in treating cancer. Meeting with another doctor can also bring up treatment options that your doctor either didn't know or think of.
Will My Doctor Be Offended?
Don't worry about offending your doctor by getting a second opinion. In fact, your doctor may be a good resource to refer you to another specialist. Getting a second opinion is a frequent occurrence and most physicians are open to another doctor's feedback.
How Do I Get Started?
Before you begin your search for a second opinion, be sure to contact your insurance company to find out what is covered. Some insurance companies routinely cover second opinions, whereas other plans will require you to pay for the additional services.
Next, you need to find a provider. Your doctor can make a recommendation, or you can find one yourself.
After you have chosen a specialist, you will need to work with your current doctor and the second opinion doctor to ensure the latter has access to all of your medical records (including any lab tests and diagnostic exam results). This is an important step to ensure the specialist has all of the information necessary to provide a comprehensive review of your case.
Call an Oncology Nurse Navigator at (319) 221-8546 to begin the process of scheduling a second opinion consultation with one of our providers.
