No matter the health concern, you deserve to feel confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan. For many people, that confidence comes from getting a second opinion.

Whether you’re facing surgery, managing a chronic condition, or considering a major lifestyle change, another medical perspective can help confirm your diagnosis, clarify your options, and give you peace of mind.

Getting a second opinion is more common than you might think — and in many situations, it’s a smart step toward making informed healthcare decisions.

What is a second opinion?

A second opinion means consulting another qualified healthcare provider to review a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

The second doctor may:

• Review your medical records and test results
• Perform an examination
• Order additional tests if needed
• Confirm, refine, or suggest changes to your diagnosis or treatment plan

You may seek a second opinion from:

• The same type of doctor
• A specialist (such as an endocrinologist for diabetes or a cardiologist for heart disease)
• A physician at a specialty clinic, academic medical center, or research hospital

If your original diagnosis came from a specialist, consider consulting another specialist at a different practice to ensure an independent perspective.

Does a second opinion really make a difference?

Second opinions can provide reassurance and help ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

In complex conditions — including cancer, rare diseases, and surgical cases — second opinions may clarify staging, confirm treatment plans, or identify additional options.

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a study of 120 cancer patients who sought a second opinion found that about one in three had their treatment changed to a less invasive approach, and one in five were advised to have no surgery or less extensive surgery than originally recommended.

Isn’t it rude to ask for a second opinion?

Not at all.

Healthcare providers understand that patients want to make informed decisions. In fact, some doctors encourage second opinions, especially for major procedures or complex diagnoses.

If a doctor discourages you from seeking another opinion, it may be reasonable to ask why and ensure you feel comfortable moving forward.

The only exception: In a medical emergency, immediate care should not be delayed.

Do you need a second opinion?

If you’re not dealing with a medical emergency, a second opinion may be helpful in many situations:

You feel like something isn’t quite right.

That’s as good a reason as any. If you aren’t sure what you’re hearing sounds right, or you just aren’t getting enough information, it’s fine to see someone else. You’ll need to work closely with your care team, so you need to have confidence in them and feel a good rapport. You can choose to work with your original doctor or the one from your second opinion.

You have been diagnosed with a rare condition.

There's a good chance your doctor may not be familiar with the rare condition, unless the doctor specializes in treating that illness. In this case, you may want to work with someone more experienced who can confirm the diagnosis and provide you with a treatment plan.

Your health insurance may require it.

An insurer may want confirmation that another doctor agrees with the treatment before they cover it.

Your doctor wants more information.

Your doctor might want another opinion to confirm the diagnosis and the best approach to treatment. In some cases, your medical tests or images may not indicate one clear path.

You may have a few treatment options to consider.

While having choices is great, it can be hard to decide between two or more treatments. Getting more advice can help narrow down the options.

You’ve been diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening disease.

Getting a major diagnosis is always difficult. Speaking to another doctor can help you understand it better and face it with greater confidence.

You’re not responding to treatment.

If you aren’t getting better, try reaching out to another doctor for more ideas. Medicine is changing all the time. There might even be a new treatment that wasn’t around when you were first diagnosed. But be cautious if a doctor presses for a hot new approach that isn’t well tested. That’s where you might even want a third opinion!

Can you get a second opinion through telehealth?

Yes. Many hospitals and specialty centers now offer virtual second options, allowing specialists to review your records and imaging remotely. This can be especially helpful if you live far from specialty care resources, have mobility challenges, or want access to nationally recognized doctors. However, it’s important to make sure you are covered for this televisit.

How to get a second opinion

Follow these five steps to help make the process easier:

1. Check with your insurance company. You might need a referral from your primary care doctor for the visit to be covered. Ask if the doctor needs to be “in network” on your plan for the visit to be covered.
2. Find the doctor. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, or ask friends and family about good experiences they’ve had. Talk to a related medical professional, such as a dietitian or physical therapist. Consider going to a doctor at a leading medical center or research hospital.
3. Gather your medical records. Request copies of your test results, imaging, treatment plan, and medication lists.
4. Prepare questions in advance. Organize your questions before you go. Be sure to ask about the treatment options, benefits and risks, expected outcomes, and any alternatives to surgery or medication.
5. Choose your provider. If the second doctor agrees with the first, sometimes you can ask the two doctors to work together, but it’s more common to pick one. You can pick whichever doctor you prefer. Confirm that your insurance will cover treatment with the doctor you pick.

Does Medicare cover second opinions?

Medicare Part B helps cover a second opinion when a doctor recommends that you have surgery or other major procedure (excluding services that Medicare doesn’t cover, like cosmetic surgery). A third opinion may be covered if the first and second opinions are different. If you have Part B and Original Medicare, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Medicare Advantage also covers a second opinion, since it covers everything Original Medicare covers, and a third opinion if the first two opinions differ.

Covering second opinions doesn’t guarantee that the treatment will be approved by either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, though, so always be sure to check before you proceed.

Additional resources

• Medicare.gov: Second Opinions
• MSKCC.org: Second Opinions After Cancer Diagnosis