Give Yourself Peace of Mind
Contact a specialist for a second opinion.
Need a second opinion?
Need to make a big health care decision? Getting a second perspective can give you the confidence to move forward and choose a treatment that’s right for you and your family. Consider getting a second opinion if:
- You want reassurance that your initial diagnosis was correct and you’re on the right path
- You want to know if there are any other treatment options
- You want to be absolutely sure before making an important medical decision
- Your initial diagnosis or treatment plan doesn’t quite feel “right” for you
The Corewell Health difference
When you come in for your second opinion, please ask questions and express your preferences. You can expect us to:
- Listen carefully to your concerns
- Review your previous diagnosis
- Examine you thoroughly
- Perform the necessary tests to make a clear second diagnosis
Your doctor will explain how they arrived at their diagnosis and treatment recommendations. They will also give their perspective on your initial physician’s conclusions, highlighting any differences. Our treatment plans always take your individual needs and goals into account.
Find the right doctor for you
Your doctor’s expertise and familiarity with your diagnosis is important, and so is your personal comfort level. In order to be your own best advocate, you should feel empowered to speak openly and honestly with your care team about any topic.
Here are a few things to consider as you seek a second opinion:
- Experience. Select a doctor that has direct experience with your diagnosis and care needs that may bring a fresh perspective or a new approach to treatment to your situation.
- Insurance. Accepted insurance plans are listed in Find a Doctor. Some health insurance companies may require a second opinion before approving an expensive treatment. Always contact your health insurance company to confirm if your plan covers a second opinion and if the doctor is in-network, along with any co-pays, deductibles, etc.
- Location. Corewell Health has locations and providers across the state.
- Outside opinions. Choose a specialist outside of your current care team for a truly independent evaluation and second opinion. An outside opinion could lead to new treatment options. It may also give you greater peace of mind if your second doctor independently arrives at the same findings.
- Personal preferences. The gender of your provider may make a difference in your comfort level. Many doctors have also completed training specific to caring for our LGBTQIA+ community. You can filter by gender or a “Safe and Affirming” designation on Find a Doctor.
Preparing for your appointment
A second opinion is your chance to ask questions, get clarification, and talk through your options so that you can make the best possible decisions about your next steps.
We recommend that you bring a copy of your medical records. Your records can help ensure your new specialist has a good understanding of your current health status and medical history.
Here are a few questions to ask your doctor during your appointment:
- Have you treated my condition before?
- What do you think is the right treatment option for me? Why do you think that?
- What are my other treatment options? What are the pros and cons of each?
- What will recovery look like for me?
- What lifestyle changes will I have to make?
- Who will be coordinating my care?
- Who do I contact if have more questions?
Get a second opinion
We can help you make an informed choice about your next steps.