Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it. There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:

• Your doctor may refer you or you may ask for a referral to one or more specialists. At cancer centers, several specialists often work together as a team. The team may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, speech pathologist, and nutritionist. At some cancer centers, you may be able to see them all on the same day.

• The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell you about treatment centers near you.

• A local medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can often provide the names of specialists in your area.

• The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has a list of doctors who have met certain education and training requirements and have passed specialty examinations. The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists lists doctors' names along with their specialty and their educational background. The directory is available in most public libraries. Also, ABMS offers this information on the Internet at http://www.abms.org. (Click on "Who's Certified.")

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