Patients diagnosed with a brain tumor often want to get a second opinion. Getting a second opinion means asking another physician to review your case. A second opinion can confirm an initial diagnosis and/or can be used to compare suggested courses of treatment. When possible, it is preferable to get a second opinion before treatment has begun. Therefore, a second opinion should be obtained as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment. The following list of questions can help you decide when and how to get a second opinion.
- What will my doctor think if I want a second opinion?
- When is a second opinion a good idea?
- What does a second opinion involve?
- What will I need to get a second opinion?
- How much does a second opinion cost?
- How can I find a specialist?
- How can I help someone else seek a second opinion?
- What will my doctor think if I want a second opinion?
Some patients may find it difficult to seek a second opinion for fear of offending their physician. However, most physicians are not apt to feel offended if you seek a second opinion. Patients should understand that they have a right to a second opinion and that most health care professionals acknowledge that right.
- When is a second opinion a good idea?
A second opinion is a good idea for any or all of the reasons listed below:
- Your physician is not a neuro-oncologist or does not have experience with brain tumors.
- You want to confirm your primary physician’s recommendation or your doctor does not have a team of specialists to consult with.
- You are interested in clinical trials.
- You have difficulty communicating with your physician.
- You have read about treatments that your physician is not familiar with.
- You are unsure of the course of treatment your doctor is recommending.
- You live in a rural area where local physicians may not have extensive experience treating brain tumors.
- You have a rare brain tumor type.
- What does a second opinion involve?
Second opinions involve a review of pathology reports, laboratory tests, medical records, and notes from the doctor who diagnosed your illness. Sometimes, second opinions can include a physical examination by the doctor providing the second opinion. You may also be asked for insurance information. Be sure to ask the second-opinion physician to specify exactly what information must be provided in order to properly evaluate your case.
Some medical centers offer the services of a tumor board. A tumor board is a regular meeting (monthly, bimonthly, or, in some cases, weekly) at which specialists from the treatment team come together to discuss patients and their brain tumors. Tumor boards are often multidisciplinary and neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other medical professionals may participate. The tumor board meets and reviews the patient’s MRI films and clinical and pathological information, then discusses treatment options and makes a group recommendation regarding treatment.
- What will I need to get a second opinion?
You will need copies of all scans, diagnostic tests, lab and pathology reports, and all records regarding your condition. As a rule, you should keep personal copies of these materials. Whenever scans are being made, request copies from the technician. This can reduce the waiting time and cost that may occur if you request them at a later date.
- How much does a second opinion cost?
The cost of a second opinion varies greatly. Most health insurance plans pay for second opinions. Exactly what your insurance company will cover depends on your particular plan. Check with your carrier before you have the second opinion to determine whether you will have any out-of-pocket expenses. It is helpful to ask the following questions beforehand:
- Does the doctor charge for a second opinion? If so, how much?
- Does your insurance company cover all or part of the cost?
- What will your out-of-pocket expenses be?
- Will your HMO or PPO (if applicable) pay for a second opinion from a doctor who is outside of their network?
- May you seek a second opinion on your own? If not, whose authorization do you need?
- If you need your primary care physician's consent to get a second opinion and he or she refuses, how can you appeal?
If you have to travel to another city for a second opinion, be aware that you may be responsible for those travel costs.
- How can I find a brain tumor specialist?
Patients can ask their family physician for a referral to a specialist who can give a second opinion. Many major medical centers can provide a second opinion. Call them or visit their websites to request information on how to proceed. Some treatment centers can even provide a second opinion via email. In addition, you may want to consider the following:
- You can visit the NBTS Treatment Center Database to research treatment centers.
- A person with a brain tumor can request a consultation with a team of specialists in the National Cancer Institute's Neuro-Oncology Branch of the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, at 301.402.6298.
- The Cancer Information Service at 1.800.4.CANCER (1.800.422.6237) can refer callers to treatment centers in their vicinity.
- How can I help someone else seek a second opinion?
To act on another's behalf, you must have the patient's permission. Some medical professionals may require that you obtain the patient's permission in writing before they will cooperate with you. This is true even if you are a relative or friend.
This information has been taken from the fact sheet on second opinions. Download a PDF of the fact sheet.
