From Ladies Home Journal, May 2002, by Deborah Pike-Olson, with consultation from: Maryann Napoli, associate director, The Center for Medical Consumers, New York City; William Parker, M.D., author of A Gynecologist’s Second Opinion and professor of ob-gyn at UCLA; and The Gynecological SourceBook, McGraw Hill, 1999.
Every patient is entitled to a second opinion and it's absolutely essential in certain situations. In fact, some insurance companies require second opinions - especially when it comes to elective surgery. Check your policy before getting one.
For an unbiased second opinion, make sure that it comes from a physician outside your doctor’s practice or hospital and while you will want to bring a copy of your medical records and test results to the second doctor, consumer advocates recommend not revealing the first doctor's recommendations up front. That way, the second doctor won’t be influenced by the first.
Visit another physician in the following circumstances:
Your doctor recommends surgery. If the second doctor advises that you have the same operation, you may be able to proceed with confidence. If a different procedure is recommended, or if the doctor advises against surgery, you'll know there are alternatives.
You're questioning the information your doctor has given you. If you're uncomfortable with your physician's recommendation, see another doctor.
You're diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, such as breast cancer. It's very important to make sure your diagnosis is accurate, because it will dictate your treatment. If you've had a biopsy and there’s any question about it, get a second pathology opinion. Be sure the tissue sample is sent to a major cancer center.
You’ve been advised to have a drastic treatment when less radical procedures exist. For instance, if you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and your doctor recommends a hysterectomy and doesn’t discuss less radical treatment like myomectomy (surgery to remove just the fibroids), check with another doctor.
Your doctor advises long-term medical treatment, such as hormone replacement therapy or cholesterol lowering drugs. Every drug has side-effects. Plus you may be able to achieve similar results with simple life-style changes.
Your doctor recommends a risky or controversial treatment. You want the procedure to be effective, and you want your doctor to be experienced using it.
Your doctor doesn’t know what’s wrong with you.
Your medical treatment isn’t working. Perhaps the diagnosis was incorrect
From Ladies Home Journal, May 2002, by Deborah Pike-Olson, with consultation from: Maryann Napoli, associate director, The Center for Medical Consumers, New York City; William Parker, M.D., author of A Gynecologist’s Second Opinion and professor of ob-gyn at UCLA; and The Gynecological SourceBook, McGraw Hill, 1999.
Regional/National Referrals
We treat many patients from outside the region and outside United States. For North American referrals, physicians may call the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Doctors Access Line at (800) 252-DOCS (3627).
Patients in the continental United States may refer to Family and Guest Services for assistance with lodging.
International Referrals
Physicians and patients from countries outside of the United States are encouraged to visit our International Healthcare Services web site at www.emedcenter.org or email Washington University International Healthcare Services for details and help with all necessary arrangements for patients and families and their accompanying physicians, if desired.