One way to find out if a suggested treatment is the best one for you is to get the opinion of at least one other doctor before starting your treatment. Your doctor should not mind if you get a second opinion. In fact, some insurance companies require you to get one. Often, the results of any tests you have already had can be sent to the second doctor, so you won’t have to repeat any of them.

If your insurance is provided by a managed care group, such as a health maintenance organization (HMO), find out if the company covers second opinions before you get one.

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008