Getting a second opinion
If you feel dissatisfied with the care or treatment you are receiving
for yourself, your child or someone you care for then you may wish to
seek a second opinion. This section answers questions you may have about
how to go about this in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
All of the Home Nations basically follow the same principles but where
there are differences we have highlighted them at the bottom of the
page.
Where you stand with regard to getting a second opinion
You can ask your GP or another healthcare professional for a second
or further opinion (an opinion about your health condition from a
different doctor). Although you do not have a legal right to a second
opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for
one.
Do you need a second opinion?
Before asking for a second opinion, it’s worth asking your GP or
consultant to go over your diagnosis and explain anything you don’t
understand. Remember your GP, consultant or healthcare professional,
should check your understanding, explain any medical terms and provide
an opportunity for you to ask questions. Any information should be
summarised, written down and supported by published information if
available. Any fears or concerns you have should be listened to. You
should receive emotional support for yourself and your family, if
appropriate.
It is also worth noting that your dissatisfaction with the first
opinion may be down to a communication failure between you and your GP,
consultant or healthcare professional. Asking them to explain things to
you again may easily rectify this – it’s often helpful to make a list of
questions before you see them, or to ask someone else to accompany you
who can ask questions on your behalf. If you can do this then there may
be no need to obtain a second opinion. Have a look at our top tips on
communicating with doctors.
If you’re unhappy with your diagnosis or would like to consider a
different course of treatment, discuss this with them. Your GP or
consultant will be happy to explain things and in many cases there may
be no need for a second opinion.
Can anyone else ask for a second opinion?
Your family or carer can also ask for a second opinion on your
behalf, but only with your consent. If someone requests a second opinion
on your behalf, they should have all the information about your illness
or condition, and check they understand it thoroughly.
Sometimes a GP or consultant may ask a colleague to provide a second
opinion. For example, doctors may ask their colleagues about a
complicated case. In many centres patients automatically receive the
benefit of having their case discussed and considered by more than one
person through multidisciplinary teams comprising of several doctors and
nurses.
Second opinion from a different GP
If you would like a second opinion after receiving advice from your GP, you can ask them to refer you to another GP.
Alternatively, you may consider asking to see a different GP at your
surgery, if you’re registered at a surgery with more than one GP, or
changing to a different GP surgery.
If you are not happy with your GP practice
If you're not happy with the service at your existing GP surgery, you
can change to another practice in the area, in most cases. When you
have selected a practice that meets your needs, you will usually need to
fill out and sign a registration form
and hand it to the practice. Be prepared to take along details of your
previous doctor, your address and the details on your medical card, if
you have one.
If you do decide to change your GP practice the Royal College of General Practitioners has produced a booklet
to help you choose - and get the most from - a GP practice. It was
produced before the 2013 NHS reorganisation in England and so refers to
some organisations and procedures that no longer exist. But it still
contains a great deal of helpful information about GP practices
themselves.
Second opinion from a different consultant
If you would like a second opinion after seeing a consultant (a
senior medical doctor who specialises in a particular field of
medicine), you need to go back to your GP and ask them to refer you
again. If your GP agrees to refer you to a new consultant, the
consultant will be told that this is your second opinion. They will also
be sent any relevant test results or X-rays previously carried out.
This does not mean that the new consultant will automatically take
over your care. If you want to be treated by the new consultant, this
will need to be arranged with the doctors and hospital.
How long will I have to wait for a second opinion?
People who ask for a second opinion have already seen a doctor, so
they may have to wait. A second opinion with a different consultant will
also usually be at a different hospital, which may involve some
travelling and associated costs for the individual.
Getting a second opinion may therefore delay any treatment that you
need. If you have a serious medical condition, you should take this into
account when deciding to ask for a second opinion. Ask your doctor
whether a delay in starting treatment could be harmful.
In Northern Ireland
In complex cases your consultant may seek a second opinion from
expert centres outside Northern Ireland. Under these circumstances your
consultant will apply for approval for the second opinion from the
Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board. Travel and subsistence
costs are normally reimbursed in this setting. A patient led second
opinion or where there is disagreement may require self funding of
travel costs.
In Wales
All unusual or difficult cases are routinely discussed by the 3
consultants in the team. Opinions from colleagues around the UK are
sought by telephone if considered necessary. Exceptionally, patients
will be formally referred outside Wales to see a consultant in person
for a further opinion if required.
In Scotland
In complex cases your consultant may seek a second opinion, usually
from an expert specialist in another centre in Scotland or in England.
Under these circumstances your consultant will apply for approval for
the second opinion from your local Health Board. Travel and subsistence
costs are normally reimbursed in this setting. A patient led second
opinion or where there is disagreement may require self funding of
travel costs.
The following websites give you information on how to get a second opinion within:
· NHS England www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/910.aspx?CategoryID=68
· NHS Scotland www.nhsinform.co.uk/common-health-questions/h/how-do-i-get-a-second-opinion
· Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland - unfortunately we were unable to find a patient friendly link.
· NHS Wales www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/s/article/secondopinion/
Posted October 2014