How to Get a Second Opinion: A Practical Checklist You Can Use Today
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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Start by deciding what you want from the second opinion, like diagnosis confirmation or treatment options.
Gather complete records so the second clinician can make a real recommendation.
Confirm insurance rules early to avoid delays and surprise bills.
If you are facing a serious diagnosis or a major treatment decision, it can be helpful to get another expert's perspective. This guide breaks down how to get a second opinion into clear steps, so you can move forward without getting buried in paperwork.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Goal
Before you schedule anything, write down what you want to learn. This keeps the visit focused.
Common goals include:
Confirming the diagnosis
Understanding treatment options and trade-offs
Checking whether surgery is truly needed
Reviewing imaging or pathology
Exploring specialized care
Why this matters: second opinions can change decisions. In a second-opinion study by the National Health Institute (NIH), diagnoses were often refined, and sometimes changed. That is not rare in complex care.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Clinician
A second opinion is most helpful when the clinician has deep experience with your condition.
Good options include:
A specialist who focuses on your diagnosis
An academic medical center clinic
A specialty program for complex conditions
If cancer is involved, the National Cancer Institute describes how to find appropriate care and why second opinions can be helpful.
Step 3: Call Insurance and Use This Script
This step saves time and money. Call the number on your insurance card and ask:
Do I need a referral for a second opinion?
Do I need prior authorization?
Does it need to be in-network?
What is my expected cost share?
Will you cover repeat labs or imaging if ordered?
If surgery is involved, note that Medicare covers second surgical opinions in many cases. Even if you are not on Medicare, it is a useful reference for how common and accepted surgical second opinions are.
Step 4: Request Your Records Using a Single Checklist
Second opinions go smoother when you bring complete information.
Request:
Recent visit notes and specialist consult notes
Lab results
Pathology reports, if relevant
Imaging reports and the actual images
Procedure reports
Current medication list and allergies
You generally have the right to access your records. HHS explains the HIPAA right of access, including how to request records and what timelines may apply.
Record request tips
Ask for one complete packet if possible.
Get imaging as actual files or a disc, not only the written report.
Keep your own folder so you can share records quickly if you see another specialist.
Step 5: Ask These Questions at the Second Opinion
Bring a short list of questions and take notes.
Questions about diagnosis
“What is the most likely diagnosis, and what else could it be?”
“What evidence supports this diagnosis?”
“What would make you change your mind?”
Why this helps: diagnostic uncertainty can happen. Research suggests outpatient diagnostic errors may affect at least 1 in 20 U.S. adults each year. A second opinion can help double-check assumptions and confirm what data truly supports the diagnosis.
Questions about treatment
“What are my options, and what are the benefits and risks of each?”
“What happens if I wait a few weeks?”
“What side effects or complications should I plan for?”
“How will this affect daily life, work, and caregiving?”
Questions about next steps
“Do I need more tests before choosing a plan?”
“Can you coordinate your recommendation with my current clinician?”
“What should I watch for if symptoms change?”
Step 6: If the Opinions Differ, Use a Tie-Breaker Plan
Conflicting opinions are stressful, but you still have a path forward.
Do this:
Confirm both clinicians reviewed the same records and images.
Ask each clinician to explain their top reasons in plain language.
Ask what risks they worry about most for you.
Consider a third opinion if the decision is high risk or irreversible.
When to Get Help Coordinating the Process
Second opinions can involve referrals, record requests, scheduling delays, and insurance rules. If you want support, you can explore care navigation through Aviator Health services at aviatorhealth.co/signup. If you want help putting the steps into motion and getting guidance on gathering records, preparing questions, and coordinating appointments, Aviator may be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my doctor be offended?
Many clinicians understand second opinions as normal for complex decisions. A respectful request focused on clarity usually keeps the relationship intact.
Does insurance pay for second opinions?
Many plans do, but rules vary by network and referral requirements. For surgery decisions, Medicare covers second surgical opinions in many cases, and private plans often have similar options.
Can I get a second opinion virtually?
Sometimes. Virtual visits can work well for record review and treatment planning. If a physical exam is essential, you may be advised to come in person.
Takeaway
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for a second opinion. If the diagnosis is serious, the treatment is major, or you are not improving, a second opinion can help you make a more informed decision.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider for personal guidance. Aviator provides advocacy and guidance, but individual circumstances may vary. In emergencies, contact appropriate services immediately.
Sources
Van Such, M., Lohr, R., Beckman, T., & Naessens, J. M. (2017). Extent of diagnostic agreement among medical referrals. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 23(4), 870–874. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.12747
Singh, H., Meyer, A. N. D., & Thomas, E. J. (2014). The frequency of diagnostic errors in outpatient care: Estimations from three large observational studies involving US adult populations. BMJ Quality & Safety, 23(9), 727–731. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002627
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Second surgical opinions. Medicare.gov. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/second-surgical-opinions
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. (2025, May 30). Get it. Check it. Use it. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/right-to-access/index.html
National Cancer Institute. (2024, August 28). Finding cancer care. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/finding-cancer-care
