Getting a Second Opinion

Before starting treatment, the patient may want a second pathologist to review the diagnosis and another specialist to review the treatment plan. A short delay will not reduce the chance that treatment will be successful. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; many others will cover a second opinion if the patient requests it.

There are a number of ways a person can find a doctor who can give a second opinion:

• The person's doctor may be able to suggest pathologists and specialists to consult.
• The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about treatment facilities, including cancer centers and other programs supported by the National Cancer Institute.
• People can get the names of doctors from a local medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school.
• The Directory of Medical Specialists lists doctors' names along with their specialty and their background. This book is in most public libraries.

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