If you or a family member has received a recent diagnosis of cancer, you might want to think about getting a second opinion. The first resource for finding a second opinion is your regular physician. Asking your doctor for a referral for a second opinion isn’t insulting; in fact, most doctors welcome a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis and best treatment plan. However, if you want to explore options independent of your regular health network, there are several options.
Second Opinion for the Diagnosis of Cancer
Some patients want to receive a second opinion on their diagnosis before they even begin treatment. If you received a diagnosis of cancer, you probably had confirmation from a biopsy. The doctor took a sample of the suspicious area, and a pathologist examined the tissue slide under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
Far from being a black-and-white issue, some cancer diagnoses are difficult to make. You must receive an accurate diagnosis so oncologists, or cancer doctors, can plan the most appropriate course of treatment for you. Even if you aren’t able to travel, your doctor can send your tissue samples to a large teaching hospital that specializes in cancer for a second opinion from a pathologist. For example, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston provides second opinion evaluations to pinpoint the exact cell type of cancer. You must pay the fees before services are rendered, so check with your insurance provider. Your doctor must submit all samples, but you can assist by filling out the consultation form beforehand.
Second Opinion for the Cancer Treatment
Once doctors confirm your diagnosis, you can consider getting a second opinion about your proposed treatment regimen from another doctor or hospital. You may also consider getting a second opinion if your cancer treatment regimen isn’t progressing the way you’d like it to. Although there aren’t any universally recognized ranking systems for cancer doctors or cancer hospitals, you can evaluate doctors and hospitals in several ways.
- You can seek the counsel of a doctor with a specialty in cancer medicine. Oncologists, radiation oncologists, hematologists, and surgeons are some of the doctors that receive additional training past their M.D. degree.
- Find a doctor who is board-certified in his or her specialty. The American Board of Medical Specialties sets forth criteria for the certification of physicians. You can find a directory of board-certified physicians in your library, or simply ask the doctor if he or she is board-certified.
- Seek out a hospital with approval from the Joint Commission. This organization has given the seal of approval to hospitals that provide quality patient safety and care for more than 50 years.
- Look for a doctor who explains technical terms in language you can understand. You must understand the basics of your disease and treatment options so you can make an informed decision about your therapy.
- Consider the manner of the doctor and staff. You are entrusting your life to this individual; pick someone who will listen to you and support you during this challenging time in your life.
Related article: Find the Best Cancer Hospital
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