SECOND OPINION GYN PROGRAM
Though it can be intimidating, there are many good reasons to ask for a second opinion after being diagnosed with a complex gynecological condition. Just as each patient and each case is unique, doctors and surgeons also vary widely in their approach to health care. Even if it confirms the original recommendation, seeking a second opinion can give you the confidence you need to move forward with treatment knowing you explored all your options.
Second Opinion at CIGC
At CIGC, our GYN specialists can provide a second opinion for any gynecological condition and give you a customized treatment plan. Our service can help you determine whether you need surgery or another form of health care. With award-winning recognition, CIGC surgeons are experts in advanced minimally invasive techniques that put our patients’ well-being first.
When Is a Second Opinion Recommended?
We always recommend getting a second opinion, but especially for certain scenarios such as:
- An uncertain diagnosis
- Life-threatening conditions or prognosis
- When a high-risk treatment has been recommended
- The presence of multiple concurring conditions
- Anytime multiple treatment options have been presented
- When the recommended treatment is prohibitively expensive
- Cases where a health plan requires a second opinion
- If you are not satisfied or don’t feel comfortable with your primary doctor’s recommended treatment plan
Conditions and Procedures That May Require a Second Opinion
Many gynecological conditions share similar or overlapping symptoms like pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. Seeking a second opinion for these symptoms makes an accurate diagnosis more likely. Gynecological conditions or recommended procedures that often require a second opinion include:
Endometriosis
As a condition that can only be definitively seen through laparoscopic surgery, endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. If your doctor has not recommended a laparoscope as part of the diagnostic process, it’s time to seek a second opinion.
Fibroids
If your doctor recommends a “watch and wait” approach or tells you not to worry about your fibroids due to their size, seek a second opinion. Fibroids will grow over time and can begin to negatively impact other organs as well as future fertility options.
Hysterectomy
Many women who need a hysterectomy undergo an open abdominal surgery with a large incision and months of recovery. But there are better options out there. Skip the months of recovery and seek a second opinion to find out if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive hysterectomy.
Infertility
Problems with fertility could be caused by many different factors. Because GYN conditions like fibroids and endometriosis are so common, it’s important to find a physician who will rule them out before proceeding with fertility treatments.
What Are the Benefits of a Second Opinion?
Even if you love and trust your primary care doctor or OBGYN, a second opinion can confirm or deny your original diagnosis. A second opinion can grant you access to other types, levels and costs of treatment that your doctor may not have discussed with you. This is your health, and you should be aware of every option available to you so you can make the best possible decision.
How to Ask for a Second Opinion
If you’ve made the decision to seek a second opinion, don’t be worried about offending your doctor. It’s common to talk to multiple physicians and explore different treatment options, especially for a complex condition or diagnosis.
To ensure you receive a fresh and uninfluenced second opinion, go outside of your regular medical practice to find your second doctor. Ask for copies of your medical records and share those with the new doctor to start the conversation. Remember to start this process early on — waiting until a procedure is scheduled may give you less time to act on the second doctor’s recommendation, should you choose to take it.
Questions to Ask When Receiving a Second Opinion
Some good questions to ask your second doctor include:
- Do you think my symptoms could be from a different condition?
- What additional tests do you recommend to find a definitive diagnosis for my symptoms?
- What are the all the health care plans available to me? Are there minimally invasive options available?
- What is the treatment you recommend?
- What are the risks or benefits associated with each treatment type?
- How long are the recovery periods for each treatment?
- Are you a specialist in this condition? If not, will you refer me to a specialist?
Will My Second Appointment Be Covered by Health Insurance?
The appointment for your second opinion will most likely be covered by your insurance just like a visit to your regular doctor would be. At CIGC, we are in network with most major insurance companies. Our patient advocacy team will work with you to use your insurance benefits to their fullest.
What’s Next After Receiving a Second Opinion?
Once you’ve received your second opinion:
- Recap with your original doctor.
- Compare diagnoses and treatment options.
- Complete any recommended tests.
- Make a decision based on all the available data.
Talk with a patient advocate today.
Why CIGC?
Our Locations
Rockville, MD
3206 Tower Oaks Blvd, Ste 200 Rockville, MD 20852
Reston, VA
1860 Town Center Dr, Ste 255 Reston, VA 20190
New York, NY
352 7th Ave, Ste 1202 New York, NY 10001
Montclair, NJ
325 Claremont Ave, Ste 100 Montclair, NJ 07042
Speak to a Patient Advocate
We’ll help you schedule a brief consultation with one of our surgical specialists, who will design a treatment plan customized to your individual needs.
