[Travelinglady]

How do you get a second opinion? One doctor recommends radical surgery (gastric bypass) for stomach issues I'm having. Should I send my files to another doctor? Meet the doctor and if I like the person, have him/her request my files from the other doctor?

What's been your experience? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

How do you get a second opinion? One doctor recommends radical surgery (gastric bypass) for stomach issues I'm having. Should I send my files to another doctor? Meet the doctor and if I like the person, have him/her request my files from the other doctor?
What's been your experience? Thanks.

I would have the filed sent from one doctor to another. I feel they are less likely to believe the files if you present them. But you can also ask the second opinion doctor what they want.

Good for you in getting that. Most people don't. I do an a LOT of the time there are disagreements.

[sarahsweets]

When I have had to get second opinions I have made the appt with the new doctor as a new patient. Once I have that I ask for the fax number of the new office of who to send the medical records to. This way my new doc knows what I have done already. Once at the appt I am upfront and honest about why I am there. The old doc probably wont even notice or know that your records have been sent somewhere. The staff handles that and they do it a lot so likely wont even pay attention as to why.

[*Beth*]

I've always wondered how a second opinion is done. Isn't it awkward, though, when your usual doctor finds that you're consulting with another doctor?