You may want to get a second opinion from another specialist. Some people feel uncomfortable asking their doctor for a second opinion, but specialists are used to patients doing this.

A second opinion can be a valuable part of your decision-making process. It can confirm or clarify your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and reassure you that you have explored all of your options. A second specialist can also answer any questions you may still have.

Your original specialist or family doctor can refer you to another specialist and you can ask for your initial results to be sent to the second-opinion doctor.

It may take some time and effort to gather your medical records and see another doctor. In most cases, it’s not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion. The delay in starting treatment usually will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with your doctor.

You may later decide you would prefer to be treated by the doctor who provided the second opinion, and this is your right.

You can ask for a second opinion even if you have already started treatment or still want to be treated by your first doctor.