Contents 

1. How to request a second opinion
2. Benefits of asking for a second opinion
3. Possible drawbacks of asking for a second opinion
4. Additional considerations
5. Contact us

A second opinion is when you choose to see another doctor or specialist after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan for a medical condition.

Second opinions in the NHS

The NHS encourages patients to seek second opinions if they have any doubts or concerns about their diagnosis or treatment. It is seen as a right – but not a legal one – and it can lead to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

How to request a second opinion

• If you want to request a second opinion about your GP's or your specialist’s diagnosis and/or your treatment, you can follow these steps:
• Share your concerns with your GP. Explain why you’re uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment plan you’ve been given and ask for their advice on getting a second opinion.
• If after speaking with your GP you still feel the need for a second opinion, request a referral to another GP or specialist. Your GP should be understanding and willing to support your request.
• You can ask to see another GP at your practice if that is available. This can often be arranged more quickly than seeing a specialist.
• If your condition needs specialist input, your GP can refer you to a second specialist in a hospital or clinic. You may have to wait, given NHS waiting times.
• If you're concerned about waiting times, or want a faster process, you could opt to see a private GP or specialist. This would involve paying for the consultation, but it can sometimes provide quicker access to a second opinion. You can ask your GP for a referral to a private specialist, or you can consult a private GP directly without a referral.
• If you’re being referred to another GP or specialist, you may need copies of your medical records, including test results, imaging, and notes from your GP. You have the right to access your medical records, and your GP or the practice manager should be able to let you know how to request them. It may take up to 28 days for your medical records to be made available to you. 

Benefits of asking for a second opinion 

A second opinion might provide different treatment options. This could be valuable if the original treatment plan is considered invasive, risky, or if you feel uncomfortable with it.

In some cases, getting a second opinion from a specialist in a particular field can provide more in-depth knowledge and experience, especially for rare or complicated conditions.

Health issues can be stressful and overwhelming. A second opinion can provide peace of mind, knowing that you've explored all avenues and made a well-informed decision about your healthcare.

Specialist doctors may have access to or be aware of new treatments, clinical trials, or technologies that others do not. A second opinion could open up additional options.

Seeking a second opinion encourages patients to be active participants in their healthcare decisions. It can help to foster partnership between the patient and their healthcare provider.

Possible drawbacks to asking for a second opinion 

If you ask for a second opinion from another NHS consultant, you will be treated as a new patient referral, and this might prolong the wait for treatment.

If you opt for a second opinion through private healthcare to avoid long waiting times you will have to pay consultation fees and possibly additional tests, which may be expensive.

While doctors understand and support the need for second opinions, you may be concerned that if you ask for one, you could damage the patient-doctor relationship.

If the second opinion differs from the first, it may create uncertainty and make it harder to decide on the best course of action. This can be especially challenging within the NHS, where seeking a third opinion or additional consultations may lead to further delays.

The benefits of ensuring a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment often outweigh any disadvantages.

Additional considerations 

Remember, you’re not obliged to stick with the first diagnosis or treatment plan. You have the right to explore other options to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Seeking a second opinion should not negatively impact your care or relationship with the doctors taking care of you. Most healthcare professionals welcome second opinions as part of patient-centered care. In fact, the General Medical Council says doctors must recognise a patient’s right to choose whether to accept a doctor’s advice, and respect a patient’s right to seek a second opinion.

By weighing up the pros and cons of seeking a second opinion and following these steps, you can ensure you make well-informed decisions about your treatment and your health.

Martha’s Rule

This information on second opinions does not cover Martha’s Rule. Martha's Rule is a new patient safety initiative being piloted in some hospitals in England. It applies to patients being treated in hospital (inpatients) when there are concerns of rapid clinical deterioration. Visit the NHS England website for more information about Martha's Rule.

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Contact the Patients Association helpline

The Patients Association offers a free national helpline providing specialist information and guidance to help patients make sense of their health and social care.  

Patients can talk directly to a member of our helpline team in strict confidence about any concerns, questions or general experiences they have regarding the NHS and care systems.  

The helpline is open from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and calls outside these times are returned as soon as possible during opening hours. 

If you would like to contact the helpline, please call free on 0800 345 7115, or visit the Patients Association helpline page on our website for more information.