{"id":2097,"date":"2021-08-10T20:47:57","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T12:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asiamd.com\/?p=2097"},"modified":"2025-08-08T09:08:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T09:08:00","slug":"is-it-important-to-seek-a-second-doctors-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiamd.bqubetech.com\/ko\/2021\/08\/10\/is-it-important-to-seek-a-second-doctors-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it important to seek a second doctor\u2019s opinion?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After days of nail-biting, the dreaded diagnosis is out: it\u2019s cancer, your doctor says. As you struggle to digest this life-changing news, he is already telling you about the expensive or newer experimental treatment he has in mind. You quietly ask yourself: Should I seek a second opinion?<\/span><\/p>\n

It depends. A second opinion would not be necessary if you have a good relationship with your doctor, trust that he has your best interests at heart, knows what he is talking about, and has provided sufficient information for you to make an informed decision on your treatment, said Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, Director of Medical Services at Singapore\u2019s Ministry of Health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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However, seeking out a second healthcare professional for a second opinion is a good idea, if you think that the first doctor may not be giving you the full picture, he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a situation where you are not satisfied that sufficient information has been provided for you to make a decision, and if your doctor is unable to assure you that he has the necessary competency and proficiency to advise you and treat you, or if you have any doubts that your doctor has motivations which are not aligned with your welfare, then it is reasonable to seek a second opinion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trust issues<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cIt is reasonable to seek a second opinion when you suspect that the information given to you is not completely accurate, or may be biased. This doesn\u2019t happen necessarily because the information is wrong, but because there\u2019s a certain amount of cherry-picking when the info is presented to you,\u201d he told AsiaMD.com via a Zoom interview.<\/span><\/p>\n

When a specialist recommends a certain treatment by promoting only its pros and failing to mention its cons, patients might question if the doctor has motives other than their best interests. People could wonder if a doctor strongly recommends a certain treatment because he gets certain benefits, or if he stands to receive financial gain from a third party, said A\/Prof Mak. \u201cIn that setting where you\u2019re not comfortable, the truth is that you\u2019re not able to form a trusted relationship with your doctor,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other good reasons to seek a second opinion<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if your doctor has not done or said anything to warrant doubt, doing your own research may be beneficial for the following reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n