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What matters to you

Second opinions

A second opinion can help clarify a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Start with a physician whose stated clinical focus fits the question. This library covers Commons clinicians; it does not rank every physician in the region.

A question to bring

What question do I want a second clinician to help me resolve?

Choose the question before the appointment

AMA ethics guidance supports a patient seeking another opinion. Decide what you want clarified: the diagnosis, the reasons for an operation, or another reasonable option. Tell our team that question when scheduling, and ask which records make the consultation useful for the decision you face.

Sources: Consultation, Referral & Second Opinions — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.2.3

Make outside information available

RadiologyInfo describes how images and reports support another consultation. Confirm how to transfer complete studies and whether they can be opened before the visit. Afterward, ask where the opinions agree, where they differ, and what finding explains the difference. The goal is a clearer decision about your particular situation.

Sources: How to Obtain and Share Your Medical Images

Questions to bring

  • What unresolved clinical question should this second opinion answer?
  • How can I confirm that you have readable images as well as the reports?

Sources & further reading

Use these resources to prepare the questions that matter to you.

The accounts below are selected for an explicit topic mention, including mixed feedback. They are not a satisfaction score or proof of a medical result.

Excerpt

forward treatment plan. Dr recommended we get second opinion and give serious thought . We have total confidence in his opinion and his surgical skill,
PFP. Frausto
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Excerpt

I’m so glad I went with a second opinion, which is how I met Dr. Ramkumar. As a former athlete, I needed someone who has
JJJ. Johnson
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Excerpt

need a full knee replacement. That’s nothing to mess with, and a second opinion could be very helpful in making an informed and wise decision.
PSP. Skoll
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Excerpt

by 2 retired foot/ankle doctors for a second opinion and was thrilled they did!!! Turned out I did not need surgery, wearing a boot and
MMM. Medanich
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

David Lee, MD

Excerpt

Dr Millstein seemed sincere in his second opinion assessment of my patella fracture and in the best course moving forward
GCG. Caine
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Excerpt

I am concerned. I appreciate the positive reviews given to Dr. Hunts expertise, and I am going to make an appointment for a second opinion.
RRR. Robinson
Google
Reviewer’s Google activity

Leonel Hunt, MD

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Questions and reading