Requesting a Second Opinion
If your doctor tells you that you have a health problem or suggests a treatment for an illness or injury, you might want a medical second opinion. This is especially true when you're considering surgery or major procedures. We can assist you in getting a medical second opinion, and with preparing a new treatment file with transparent pricing. In some cases, your insurance may cover the cost of your second opinion.
Asking another doctor to review your case can be useful for many reasons:
- It's important to be well-informed before you make a health decision. Getting another opinion allows you to discuss your options with a top specialist. You might be considering different types of cancer treatments and want opinions from several hospitals or another doctor’s opinion might shed more light on your diagnosis. The additional opinions help you make educated decisions.
- Doctors have different styles. Some may be more likely to suggest surgery or other major treatments. Others may suggest a slower, wait-and-see approach. Getting a medical second opinion can help you weigh the pros and cons of their treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
A second opinion is a complete evaluation of your medical history, your diagnosis, and your treatment plan by a medical specialist. The consulting physician will either confirm your diagnosis and treatment or recommend an alternate diagnosis and/or treatment plan. This physician may recommend that you undergo additional diagnostic tests. Research has shown that between 20% and 60% of patients have a change of diagnosis or treatment plan after their second opinion.
We believe that you always have the right to request a second opinion. Generally speaking, patients request a second opinion anytime that they are uncertain about their diagnosis or if their treatment options are complicated, risky, or unpleasant. You may like to consider a second opinion in particular when: - your doctor recommends a major surgery - you have been diagnosed with a life threatening condition - you have been diagnosed with a rare disease or prescribed a long-term prescription - your doctor is uncertain about your condition or diagnosis - your doctor recommends a treatment option which you are unsure about
Our global network of expert physicians covers all major medical specialties including general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, dentistry, ophthalmology, and gynecology. In the rare case that we don’t have the right specialist in our network of 300+ hospitals and clinics, we promise to find you a specialist that is right for your case.
In order to provide you with a second opinion, a medical specialist will need: - Your current diagnosis - Any supporting documentation, such as MRI or diagnostic tests - A description of any medical treatment you have already undergone - Your past medical history, including chronic illness, allergies, surgeries, and prescription medication - Specific questions you have for your second opinion
The Taqtik second opinion doctors are the world’s experts in their specialties. They work at the world’s leading hospitals, conduct clinical research to pioneer diagnosis and treatments, are leaders within their professional associations, and teach at the top medical universities.
As soon as you have submitted your request and finalized your medical case file, the second opinion should be delivered back to you within 48 hours. To ensure that this process is as fast possible for you, the experienced (and friendly!) Care Team assist you with the medical case history preparation. Based on an initial review of your case, our in house medical doctor will match you to several medical specialists. You then have the opportunity to choose which specialist will provide your second opinion. This medical specialist will review your case and write a the second opinion. Once it is complete, you will receive an email notification and PDF version of your second opinion. If you’d like, we are also happy to send the second opinion to you by post.
It is certainly a good idea to share any additional medical opinions you receive with your treating physician. Many doctors appreciate input from their colleagues and will be happy that you have chosen to take an active role in your healthcare decisions.
Yes, provided that you have that person’s permission and/or are the patient's legal guardian. In order to request a second opinion you need to be able to provide medical records which reflect the patient’s current diagnosis and current treatment plan, supporting documentation (such as MRI or diagnostic tests), and a comprehensive medical history.