Second Opinion
Before starting treatment, you might want a second
opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Some
people worry that the doctor will be offended if they
ask for a second opinion. Usually the opposite is true.
Most doctors welcome a second opinion. And many
health insurance companies will pay for a second
opinion if you or your doctor requests it. Some
companies require a second opinion.
If you get a second opinion, the doctor may agree
with your first doctor's diagnosis and treatment plan.
Or the second doctor may suggest another approach.
Either way, you'll have more information and perhaps
a greater sense of control. You can feel more confident
about the decisions you make, knowing that you've
looked at your options.
It may take some time and effort to gather your
medical records and see another doctor. In many cases,
it's not a problem to take several weeks to get a second
opinion. The delay in starting treatment usually won't
make treatment less effective. To make sure, you
should discuss this delay with your doctor. Some
people with a brain tumor need treatment right away.
There are many ways to find a doctor for a second
opinion. You can ask your doctor, a local or state
medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school
for names of specialists.
Also, you can request a consultation with specialists
at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in
Bethesda, Maryland.
- Adults and children with a brain tumor:
Specialists in the NCI Neuro-Oncology Branch
provide consultations. The telephone number is
301-594-6767 or 866-251-9686.
- Children with a brain tumor: Specialists in the
NCI Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Section of the
Pediatric Oncology Branch provide consultations.
The telephone number is 301-496-8009 or
877-624-4878.
The NCI Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER
(1-800-422-6237) can tell you about nearby
treatment centers. Other sources can be found in NCI's
fact sheet How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility
If You Have Cancer.
Nonprofit groups with an interest in brain tumors
may be of help. Many such groups are listed in the
NCI fact sheet National Organizations That Offer
Services to People With Cancer and Their Families.
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