It's OK to Ask for a Second Opinion

If you think you want a second opinion, go with your instincts. Having another doctor review your case could be life-changing.

Neuroradiologists at Johns Hopkins published an article demonstrating that a second look at imaging studies resulted in a change in treatment or a different diagnosis nearly 8 percent of the time.

“When it comes to something like brain surgery or another serious intervention, getting a second opinion makes a lot of sense, especially if the first study was done somewhere that handles a low volume of cases,” says Jonathan Lewin, M.D., chairman of the Department of Radiology and radiologist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins.

A doctor who cares about your health should welcome your interest in a second opinion. Often, there may be no need for additional tests; just bring the original imaging study to the second expert.