Second opinion from an Alternative Medicine specialist

Remember that it is also possible to get a second opinion from a doctor who practices alternative medicine, for example, homoeopathy or ayurveda. Such an opinion will provide a completely different perspective of looking at a problem, and you may prefer this alternative.

Excellent source for a Second opinion

An excellent source for getting an objective second opinion is the medical faculty of public hospitals - government or municipal. This source, unfortunately, has been grossly underused. The staff members here are basically academicians. Since they teach medical students and residents, they are usually well read and well informed. Moreover, since they do not have a financial stake in providing you with advice, their information is likely to be reliable and accurate. Of course, this procedure does involve the bother of waiting for a long time to get to see the doctor, but this wait is often well worth the effort!

What to tell and what not to tell your second doctor?

A crucial question is: Should you let the expert know your first doctor's opinion? Many patients do not tell the specialist that they have already consulted another doctor, because they want an unbiased opinion. However, most doctors do not appreciate patients who play games with them. It's far better to be forthright and explain to the expert that you are looking for a second opinion, so that he can explain the pros and cons of all the available options.

Looking for a Second opinion, but where?

Keeping all the foregoing factors in mind, the question then arises: From whom should you get a second opinion? You should seek a second opinion from an expert who has the courage to give you an unbiased independent conclusion. Such an expert would, obviously be difficult to find, but it's well worth searching for him!

Doctor’s insecurity over referring for second opinions

They can even ask the doctor (whom they are consulting) himself to refer them to a second or even a third doctor for further consultation. No competent doctor will feel threatened if a patient wants a second opinion! However, many doctors in India do have reservations about referring a patient seeking a second opinion to someone else, as they are worried that the new consultant may 'snatch' their patient away. To solve this problem, some countries abroad have set up specialized second opinion clinics which consist of senior experts who have retired from active practice, but who use their experience wisely to provide unbiased second opinions! Many doctors are happy to refer their patients to such clinics, because they are confident that they will not lose their patients in the process!

Take a second opinion for Yourself!

However, by getting a second opinion, patients should realize that they are not casting aspersions on a doctor's competence or judgment, but are rather adopting a responsible attitude towards their own health and well-being. All patients have a right to seek a second opinion, and certain circumstances may arise in which it would be appropriate, if not mandatory, for them to exercise this right.

Anxiety for a Second opinion

Many patients also worry about getting a second opinion on their own accord. For one, they are apprehensive that if their first doctor were to find out that they have gone in for a second opinion, he may be offended. Another source of anxiety is the confusion that would result if they get differing opinions; they are worried they would not know what to do when confronted with such a situation. Most patients are quite passive and they tacitly feel that it much easier to trust their doctor and do whatever he suggests, rather than go through the trouble of getting a second opinion.