By Kandy

In Dr. Demarco’s A Women’s Bill of Rights, the 8th right states, “I have a right to request a second opinion on any major surgery or health decision.”  How many of us seek second opinions? According to a 2005 Gallup poll in a Newsweek article by Barbara Kantrowitz & Pat Wingert, half of 5,000 Americans surveyed said they never sought a second opinion when their doctor diagnosed a condition or prescribed a drug, treatment or surgery, and only 3% said they always sought a second opinion.

How do you know when to seek the advice of another physician, healthcare provider, or specialist? The September 8, 2004 issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource stated that a second opinion may be warranted, “If your diagnosis isn’t clear, you have a rare or serious condition, your doctor suggests a procedure that is expensive, risky, or experimental, or your current treatment isn’t working.”

Another instance when it’s appropriate to consider or seek a second opinion would be when any non-emergency surgery or invasive procedure is being considered, when you’re being prescribed long-term medication that has potential side effects, or if you are not showing improvement or “feeling better” after repeated visits to your physician.

Lastly, you ARE the expert in knowing your body and anytime your instinct is telling you that something does not feel right or you physically do not feel any better since trying suggested treatments, medications, etc. You always have the right for a second opinion.