Request a Second Opinion

Your Health. Your Hospital

Doctors are i very well trained to diagnose health issues accurately and quickly. But sometimes, particularly when serious health decisions need to be made, it ismportant to double-check that the doctor's analysis is correct. This is called getting a second opinion, and it's considered a routine step when you're investigating whether you need treatment for a disorder.

Why Is this Step Important?

When they receive diagnoses, patients often believe they must make a decision and begin their treatment right away. In some instances, this is true. But in other cases, taking the time to learn about your diagnosis and treatment options is a reasonable approach. Medical treatments vary on the amount of time they take to complete.

Different treatments also have different costs — and the same treatment can cost different amounts at different facilities.

Treatments have different recovery times. When you have the chance to consider your choice, decisions should only be made after you have been thoroughly informed about all available treatment options.

What Happens When I Get a Second Opinion?

Depending on the diagnosis, you may get a referral to a specialist. In any event, doctors often welcome information from other doctors — they want you to be well, and they understand that more information and ideas can lead to better treatment.

When you go to the specialist, or to another medical doctor, with whom you've made an appointment, you can expect to be asked about your condition. Bring along a copy of the records from your original visit, so the doctor can make sure she understands the situation. You may be examined again. In the end, the second doctor may agree or disagree with the original diagnosis. If your second doctor agrees with the first doctor's conclusions, this will probably increase your confidence.

How Can Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital Help?

To make sure a treatment plan is appropriate, it is standard practice to get a second opinion.

If you've been given a diagnosis and want a second opinion, our doctors will do everything in their power to make sure your condition is accurately identified so you can be treated correctly.

If you ultimately see a doctor, not at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, that's good, as well.

Our primary concern is that you make the right choice and stay healthy, even if it isn't with us.  For more information on second opinions or immediate assistance, please contact us at 800.600.5600.