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Anger, grief and even disbelief -- these are all very normal and rational feelings following a colon cancer diagnosis. Once the shock wears off, you may start to question your treatment plan options. It is very common and very rational to consider exploring your different treatment options with another doctor or even at a specialized treatment center. If you have thought about getting a second opinion but don't know where to start you've come to the right place.
Getting Rid of the Stigma
There are many reasons why people might avoid talking to another doctor about their cancer and proposed treatment plan. For instance, you might have concerns that this labels you as a "troublemaker". Some people avoid it because they are afraid to "offend" their diagnosing doctor. Whatever your reason may be, requesting a second opinion is a very normal and acceptable part of your medical care. Likewise, no doctor should discourage you from obtaining a second opinion.
Where to Start
The first thing you need to do is gather your medical records to date. Before getting started, call over to the specialist's office and inquire as to what specific documents he or she would like you to bring with you for your initial appointment, which will give you a good starting point. For the most part, your second opinion physician will need a detailed medical history to provide a thorough analysis of your treatment plan. This will probably take some leg work on your part, as medical providers cannot release your protected health information without a signed release from you.
It may seem tedious, but this extra step is meant to protect your confidential health information. Once you've signed the appropriate paperwork it may take up to two weeks to obtain your records, so don't wait until the last minute.
Remember to gather test results as well if they are requested by the physician's office. Some results may be incorporated in the medical records from your primary doctor's office, but if you had any type of imaging -- such as x-rays or MRIs -- it's better to go directly to the facility where you had the test and request the film or CD. The physician providing your second opinion may want to see the test results from your colonoscopy and pathology reports, as well as any blood work or other imaging exams you've had. If you don't have them or can't find them, there is nothing wrong with asking your second opinion doctor's office to help you obtain them, but it will add a little more time onto the process.
Finding the Right Doctor
This is probably the hardest part. You want to make sure that the physician who provides your second opinion is going to satisfy your needs. Although your doctor might be more than happy to provide you with a physician's name for a second opinion, it might benefit you to choose your own specialist if your insurance allows. If you don't have a doctor in mind (from a friend, family member or other trusted source) you should start with your insurance company. Most insurances will pay for a second opinion, but you will want to call and check to dispel any nasty surprises in the form of a bill after your visit. Likewise, the health insurance company is able to provide a list of current providers in your local area.
Choosing a Surgeon
If your doctor has suggested bowel surgery to treat your colon cancer, the American College of Surgeons encourages you to learn the difference between the alphabet soup of credentials behind the doctor's name before arbitrarily picking a bowel surgeon for a second opinion. If you are looking for a board-certified surgeon -- meaning a surgeon who has voluntarily undergone specific rigorous training and evaluation to be certified as a specialist in their field -- you want to look for the letters FACS behind their name. It stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Getting board certified makes any physician stand out as someone who is dedicated and well educated within his or her field of medicine.
After the Second Opinion Visit
Some second opinions might result in a change in physicians, but for the most part, the second opinion doctor provides extra options or opinions about your treatment that you can then discuss with your primary doctor. For instance, you may leave your local area and obtain your second opinion visit with a doctor at a large cancer center. This doctor will then add thoughts, opinions and input to your specific case, but will not become your treating doctor. It is not entirely unusual for the consulting doctor to suggest one or more tests, visits, or even offer slightly different treatment options. However, now that you are armed with more knowledge and options, hopefully you will be able to confidently choose your treatment path.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Getting a Second Opinion. Accessed online November 11, 2014.
American College of Surgeons. (n.d.). Seeking a Consultation. Accessed online November 11, 2014.
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