Getting a second opinion

What is a second opinion?

A second opinion is when another doctor gives their opinion about your diagnosis or treatment. You may want a second opinion if you would like more information about your diagnosis or treatment options. This could mean seeing a doctor at a different NHS hospital or GP surgery, or paying to see a private doctor.

Professional guidance for doctors says doctors must respect your right to seek a second opinion. But there is no legal right to one.

Why people get a second opinion

You might want to see another doctor for one or more of the following reasons:

• to confirm your diagnosis

• to find out if there are other treatment options

• to support what you have already been told about your condition and treatment

• because you would prefer to discuss your care with a different doctor

• because you don't agree with your current doctor

Advantages

The benefits of seeing another doctor may include: 

• feeling reassured that different doctors agree on your diagnosis and treatment

• having different treatments to choose from if the second doctor offers you a different treatment

Disadvantages

Seeing a different doctor is not always possible and may sometimes have disadvantages. These include:

• a possible delay in starting treatment

• travelling to another hospital could be difficult or not practical for you

• hearing your diagnosis again, which may be distressing

• you might feel confused if the second opinion is different to the first one

• you might find it difficult to make a decision if you are offered a different treatment

Arranging a second opinion can take time. Waiting times may vary depending on the specialty and availability of appointments. It's important to talk to your doctor about how long any delay is likely to be. Also, discuss whether a delay in starting treatment would be harmful.

If possible, keep any tests or treatments you have already booked. This can help avoid delays if you decide to continue your care with the first doctor.

Concerns you might have about asking for a second opinion 

You might worry about offending or upsetting your doctor by asking to see someone else. This is unlikely to happen. Doctors themselves often ask their colleagues' opinion about complex and unusual cases.

Asking for a second opinion is a normal part of healthcare. It should not affect the care you get from your healthcare team.

Things to think about before asking for a second opinion

Before you ask for another opinion, it may help to think about exactly why you want one.  

If you haven't fully understood what your doctor told you

If you didn't take it all in the first time around, it might help to ask your original doctor to go over things with you again. Don't feel embarrassed about not understanding or needing the information to be repeated. Doctors know how difficult it is to take in complicated medical information. They know that it might be more difficult if you are feeling shocked and upset.

After your diagnosis, you might have read about your condition and now have questions or concerns. You might need to talk this through with your specialist. This gives you the chance to ask any questions that have come up since your first appointment. It can help to take someone with you to your appointment, and to write down any questions you have.

You aren't satisfied with the suggested treatment

You might hear about different treatments from other people with cancer or from friends and family. There is often information about new treatments in the news. These can often sound better. You might wonder why your doctor hasn't offered you that treatment.

This might make you feel less confident about the treatment you are going to have. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse if you feel like this. They can explain to you why a specific treatment is best for you and whether there are any other options. After you have spoken to them and if you still feel unsure, ask your doctor to refer you for a second opinion.

You find it hard to talk to your doctor

It can be difficult if you don't feel comfortable talking to your doctor. You need confidence in them and feel able to talk about any concerns you have. This can help build trust in your relationship.

If you don't feel like this, try talking to another doctor in the consultant's team. This might be someone like the registrar. Or, if there is a specialist nurse in the team, you may find it helps to talk to them. They may be able to sort out any misunderstandings. If necessary, they might offer to speak to the doctor about your concerns. It can be useful to talk to your doctor and nurse together.

How to get a second opinion

Talk to your specialist doctor or GP

Talk to your specialist doctor or GP if you decide you want to see another doctor. They can refer you to an NHS doctor who specialises in treating your condition. Or you could pay for a second opinion from a private doctor.

Your relatives can also ask for a second opinion, but you need to give consent for them to do this.

Having a second opinion doesn't mean that the second doctor will take over your care. If you decide you want the new doctor to treat you, they have to agree. The doctors or hospitals have to arrange it between them.

If you want to see a different GP and are in a group GP practice, you can ask for an appointment with one of the other doctors. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a different doctor. Some people may consider changing their GP or GP practice. This is only possible if the other GP practice is taking new patients.

What you can expect

Your current doctor or specialist should send the new doctor information, such as:

• previous treatments you have had

• relevant test and scan results

• medicines or treatments you are having

Who can help if you are having problems?

Contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) with any issues. They can offer advice. Your local Citizens Advice service might also be able to help.

Find your local Patient advice and liaison service (PALS)

Before your appointment

Tips to help you prepare for a second opinion appointment.

• Think about what you want to get out of the appointment.

• Make a note of your symptoms and any treatment you've already had.

• Write down questions you want to ask.

• Ask someone to go with you for support and to help you take in the information the doctor gives you.

• Take all the relevant medical information you might have about your condition.