|
Before deciding on a treatment plan, a man might want a second opinion about his diagnosis and treatment options. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the man or his doctor requests it. It may take time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor. In general, taking several weeks to get a second opinion does not make treatment less effective or worsen the man's outlook.
There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:
- The man's doctor may refer him to one or more specialists. At cancer centers, several specialists often work together as a team.
- The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about nearby treatment centers.
- A local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can usually provide the names of specialists.
- The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) offers a list of doctors who have met specific education and training requirements and have passed a specialty examination. Their directory--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 by telephone and on the Internet. The toll-free telephone number is 1-866-ASK-ABMS (1-866-275-2267). The Internet address is http://www.abms.org.
- The NCI provides a helpful fact sheet called "How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer." It is available on the Internet at https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/details.asp?pid=1081 and may be ordered by calling the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
|
|
