What is the proper way to tell a doctor one has been seeing that you want to get a second medical opinion on your condition? I have been fighting kidney stones and the attendant infections for over three and a half years now. In May I was completely clear, and I just found out now I have a good sized stone in the left kidney, so it’s off to a fourth lithotripsy procedure. After we get this cleared up I want to see someone else to find out if there is anything else I can be doing to fight these nasties. Any tests, diets, medications, whatever. All I have been doing is lots of fluids, antibiotics, and the lithotripsies. The doctor is a nice guy and I don’t want to be rude, but damn, I want to find out if I can make more progress. Any advice on what to say?
If your doc is a decent guy, I can’t imagine his objecting to your just saying something like, “Look, this kidney situation is getting really frustrating, and I’d like to get a second opinion to see if there are any other options out there.”
If he objects, then you really SHOULD look for another doctor. They are not God incarnate and they don’t all know everything.
I have no idea. I went to get a second opinion on a problem, and didn’t tell my doctor first. Since I’m not going back to the original doctor, I guess it’s never going to come up again.
Baker, you don’t have to tell him/her jack. Just call the office and tell them that you want a copy of your medical transcripts. They will send you a copy, even if they charge a small fee. They are your records, after all. I had to sign a form to have my records delivered to another doctor’s office, but the front desk handles all of that, not the doctor.
And I’m so, oh so very sorry to hear about the stones.
I agree - just do it. And do not ask your current doctor for a referral for a second opinion - find someone else on your own.
I hate to disagree with you porcupine, but I have had the best luck with second opinions when my first doctor gave me a referral. Doctors tend to know who the best doctors are.
Baker, you don’t have to ask your first doc if you want a second opinion. However, if he is a good doctor and has done everything he can then he is probably frustrated too. His referral might be the ticket to getting a quick appointment with a good specialist. He shouldn’t be offended. That is what good doctors do.
The thing is, if the first doctor just seems like a good doctor, but in reality isn’t, you really don’t want a referral from him/her, do you? It’s pretty difficult for the patient to tell sometimes. I have the luxury of living in a major metropolitan area, so if I want a second opinion, I just contact one of the several prestigious teaching hospitals in the city and make an appointment. Alternately, I’ve gotten referrals to a second specialist from a different doctor (not the one I’m seeing for the problem). What about getting a referral for a second opinion from your GP?