Doctor etiquette

[Michelle Lowry]

So if I go to a doctor, he prescribes a treatment (such as surgery), and I want a second opinion, is it proper to let him know I will be getting a second opinion, even ask him for a reference for a doctor to give it?

It seems it is so hard to get into a specialist, that you'd have to wait months for a second opinion, unless you pretend to the second surgeon (or other specialist) that he/she is your intended surgeon (or specialist).  If they know they are most likely just a second opinion, why would they be motivated to use an appointment slot on you?

[jtshad]

Yes, it is absolutely ok to let them know you are getting a second opinion...it is your body after all!!  In fact it is best because you will want to get a copy of your records from the doc to take to your second opinion to ensure the most up to date information and perspectives are reviewed.

As far as the slot, they don't care if the $ comes from you or someone else...besides as a specialist they are probably used to the process.

[Bonnie]

Michelle, good doctors expect you to get a second opinion before making up your mind about important things like surgery.  He/She will give you a referral for this, or you can just ask friends for recommendations (my preferred approach).   I think it will be easier for you to get into see a specialist in SLC than Provo, simply because of the number of physicians in SLC.  Many doctors will fit you in for a second opinion just like any other appointment - again, good doctors expect to see this.  It shows that the patient is proactive about their health -- which is a good thing for them (and you).  Some doctors will do second opinions by looking at your medical record alone -- this is not an optimal approach, but is better than nothing. 

[Dallen]

There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Go ahead and tell the doctor. If they are a good doctor they will not mind.

[Maurine Lee]

I would always tell the doctor that you are seeking a second opinion.  You might just find that the second doctor works better for you.  Considering what you are facing you should always seek to get the best advice possible. 

[ChromeDome Steve]

Sorry to add to this so belatedly, but for future readers who stumble on this thread:

I can't stress enough how important it is to emphasize that *you* are in charge of your own health care. If you are expecting to be led by the hand, gingerly down the primrose path, by any physician, to the treatment that is ideal for you, you will eventually be rudely awakened by the poor care you're getting. I only speak from experience here, and I have had excellent as well as poor caregivers (note that none of them thought of *themselves* as poor caregivers, but doctors have varying personalities/philosophies/agendas). So be forewarned.

In many cases, doctors do not care how many opinions you're getting and when/where/how/whether you're getting treated at all. So don't worry about that.

In fact, it will probably be quite the opposite, and you'll find yourself ignored or slighted. You will be fortunate to find someone who pays attention enough to say more to you than "knee hurts? take ibuprofen." Physicians typically are in the business of keeping chronically ill people feeling "normal" ... they generally do not have time to address preventive methods or "optimal" health, and they do not care about "performance" related injuries due to sports and any extreme activities (like distance running) that healthy people and above-average healthy people engage in (unless you are going to see a sports-specific practitioner, and already know you are shopping for surgery).

When my wife was pregnant we went through half a dozen hospitals and doctors, who pretty much across the board acted like my wife was psycho for being a vegetarian, wanting to keep running and weight training during pregnancy. In retrospect, these doctors spend their days with hypertensive, overweight, unhealthy women, so what did we expect? My wife's health habits were already 10x better than the "prescribed" behavior the doctors were advocating. We eventually found a physician who spoke our language, but it was a long process but one I recommend going through, if you must. It is definitely worth your time to get 2nd, 3rd, and 6th, opinions, if necessary. In fact it is essential to your health in this day & age.