When to Get a Radiology Second Opinion
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a health condition, prescribed medication and considered a treatment plan, you must decide if you feel comfortable with your choices. Getting a second opinion can help ease your mind and ensure you get the best treatment possible from specialists who understand your condition.
Getting a second opinion can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure you find a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about second opinions, why you should get one and how you can get a second opinion on an MRI, CT scan and more.
What is a radiology second opinion?
When you ask for a second opinion, you receive more information from another doctor besides the one who diagnosed your medical condition or recommended a particular treatment. This doctor will review your medical history and radiology results and assess your health before providing a professional opinion. Sometimes, the second doctor will offer you more possibilities for treatment, while other times, they will reinforce the suggestion of your first doctor.
Many primary care providers feel comfortable with their patients asking for a second opinion. Occasionally, your doctor may even recommend getting a second opinion or referring you to a specialist who can provide you with more information about your condition.
Why you should get a second opinion
There are many benefits to getting a second opinion. You can save time and lessen stress by finding a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and fully addresses your health concerns. A second opinion radiology interpretation can let you know what options are available for treatment and the potential risks of one option over another. You can also find doctors who specialize in the treatment you’re seeking and have in-depth knowledge of your condition to help you find the best path to recovery. Below, we’ve listed the benefits of seeking a second opinion.
1. Reduce medical error risks
Medical mistakes can cause severe injuries or death in the worst cases. Having another person interpret your radiology results can give you a better idea of the treatment you need and your underlying condition. Having more people evaluate the same information will increase the likelihood of avoiding minor or major medical mistakes. This could include misdiagnoses, surgeries and other treatments that could negatively affect your health.
2. Find the best treatment
It’s often a good idea to get a second opinion from someone with more knowledge about your condition. Your doctor may not understand your diagnosis as much as they would like to or feel uncomfortable administering treatment with their current knowledge. In some cases, your provider may tell you they cannot or will not administer treatment, resulting in your seeking another professional.
Seeing another opinion can also be helpful if you have many conditions or feel uncomfortable speaking to your doctor. Seeking another professional’s advice will give them an impartial opportunity to evaluate your medical history, current conditions, lifestyle and treatment needs to find the most effective option.
Furthermore, if your provider recommends a risky, controversial or experimental treatment, seeking a second opinion can alleviate your concerns by providing more options. The second opinion may confirm the initial treatment or offer new suggestions, but either way, you can feel more confident in your decision. 
3. Avoid invasive or unnecessary treatments
Every doctor approaches treatment differently. Although each wants to help you, they may have different ideas about the most effective, safest or quickest road to recovery. Your primary caregiver may suggest invasive surgery to treat your condition, but another caregiver may recommend less invasive options, allowing you to have more control over recovery time and procedures.
Second opinions can be especially helpful in situations where your diagnosis is unclear. Whether your exam results are challenging to read or various conditions could be the underlying cause for your health concerns, having an unclear diagnosis can lead to potentially unnecessary surgeries or medications. Getting a fresh pair of eyes to evaluate your results could be the difference between continuous testing and finding the treatment you need.
Additionally, if you’re currently seeking treatment but are not responding well or at all, it’s likely time for a different treatment. Your provider may be unaware of alternative options or unsure if another option is more suitable for you. Seeking a second opinion can allow you to get a better understanding of what’s working and what you can try next to recover.
4. Stay informed about your condition
The more information you have about your condition, the more knowledge you can apply to inform your decisions. This is especially true for people with rare or life-threatening conditions and those who have many treatment options. Speaking with a specialist can provide you with more information that allows you to better understand your health and how to improve it.
5. Meet insurance requirements
Your insurance may cover one treatment option but not another. If your primary caregiver recommends a treatment that does not fall under your policy, you may need to seek other options. It’s also possible that your insurance will require you to obtain a second opinion to ensure you need the treatment plan they suggest before covering your medical expenses.
How to get a second opinion on a CT scan or MRI
Obtaining a second opinion is easy, and many patients pursue this option. You can begin the process with your primary doctor to see if they have any specialist recommendations for you. Your doctor can share your medical records, including your CT scan results or MRI tests, with the specialist for a seamless transition.
If you don’t feel comfortable letting your doctor know you want a second opinion, there are other steps you can take. Local hospitals and clinics can often provide recommendations, and you can contact your insurance provider for recommendations that will fall under your coverage. You can also search for a medical association in your local area for a nearby specialist.
Find the location for your second opinion with Health Images
Health Images is always ready to assist you with your diagnostic imaging needs. We deliver quality care, compassion and convenience for every patient, and we use cutting-edge technology to ensure you can get the most comprehensive results.
Our mission is to improve lives through spectacular service, and our passionate team upholds our values. When you choose Health Images, you gain access to a knowledgeable and professional team who wants to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
We have multiple convenient Colorado locations, so you can get the information you need without the long commute. We want you to feel confident in your treatment plan, so let us help you seek the best care possible. You can find your nearest location, or contact us to help you find the best provider for your second opinion.
