Have you ever wondered whether your doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan is correct? One in five people would like a second opinion, but is afraid to give it.
A reason not to give a second may be that you don't want to damage the relationship with your doctor, but a doctor won't just be offended if you ask for a second opinion. Because healthcare in the Netherlands is in order, you also want to trust that your doctor's advice is correct.
Other advice with a second opinion
Nevertheless, it pays to ask for a second opinion, says the Dutch Patient Federation. A study of 2,300 people showed that half of the patients who asked for a second opinion received a different treatment advice from the second doctor.
The figures must be nuanced. In oncology, the numbers are much lower. In addition, different advice can also mean that the order of the treatments is different, but that it has no consequences for the patient.
When do you ask for a second opinion?
The advice is to ask for a second opinion if you do not trust your doctor or if you are unsure of the advice you have received. A second opinion also has disadvantages, it can delay your treatment or cause more uncertainty. It's good to know that there is the option (and it's not weird at all) to ask for a second opinion.
