Second opinion

Lots of people want another view of their condition, and you're entitled to one. But before you begin the process step back and think about whether getting a second opinion is really necessary.

Why do you want one? If it's because you don't understand the information you've already been given by a GP, don't be embarrassed - just tell them. Doctors don't mind. In fact, it often helps them.

Is it because you're unhappy with the diagnosis, advice or treatment offered? Perhaps you were expecting to be given a particular treatment you'd heard about, only to be told it wasn’t appropriate for you. You may have a particular fear of a specific disease and can't let yourself trust the doctors opinion, or the test results that show that you don't have it.

Maybe you thought the doctor was trying to save money (unlikely despite what the papers say, but local primary care trusts (PCTs) and health authorities often now have a 'traffic light' system which bans or limits very expensive drugs on the NHS) and that another doctor might offer the treatment you want.

Ask your doctor what they based their diagnosis on, and explain what your fears are based on, even if you are worried that they sound irrational. It might be better to ask your original doctor to explain why a certain treatment was prescribed over another. Some treatments aren't available in certain parts of the country or a treatment may only be available through a specific scheme (such as a pilot study or research project). It may also be that newer treatments have surpassed older ones.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) decides which treatments the NHS provides on the basis of clinical and cost effectiveness.

Whatever your reason for seeking a second opinion, as a patient you have the right to find out more. Often an explanation is all that's required to put your mind at rest and rebuild any lost trust, so don't be frightened to ask.

Who do you ask?

If you still feel a second opinion is necessary, who should you ask? An NHS or private specialist is the usual option, but there are others.

It's worth having a word with one of the other doctors at your local practice. You might find they explain things more clearly or have a particular understanding of your condition and the available treatments. Doctors aren't all ‘in it together', so this approach is worth considering. You might also want to ask the practice nurse.

Second or even third opinions will often differ but none of them may be necessarily wrong - sometimes making a diagnosis isn't straightforwardand test results may not be textbook clear. Opinions on the exact diagnosis and subsequently the best management will often vary, even between specialists who have made the same diagnosis.

Researching health information online is another option. It can be an excellent source of information, as can radio and television programmes, newspapers and magazines.

If you have a long-standing condition, the appropriate national charity or association will also be able to offer help and advice.