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.
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 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 most 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 multiple myeloma 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. NCI's Cancer Information
Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can tell you about
nearby treatment centers. Other sources can be found
in the NCI fact sheet How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer.
Nonprofit groups with an interest in multiple
myeloma may be of help. 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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