What is a second opinion?
A second opinion is an opinion or recommendation from a doctor at Erasmus MC regarding your medical condition. This service is intended for patients who are not (yet) being treated at Erasmus MC and who would like a second opinion on their diagnosis or treatment.
The doctor will not take over your treatment. You will return to your treating doctor with the second opinion or advice.
Does the advice differ from that of your current doctor? Then you decide for yourself which treatment is best for you. If the patient is a child, you will decide together with your child.
When should you seek a second opinion?
You can request a second opinion if you:
- have doubts about your diagnosis;
- have questions about the proposed treatment;
- want to know whether there are other treatment options.
You do not need permission to request a second opinion.
How do you request a second opinion?
You can request a second opinion in a few steps.
- Check your health insurance policy
Check the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy to see if a second opinion is covered. If you are unsure, contact your health insurance provider. - Discuss your request with your treating physician
We recommend that you discuss your desire for a second opinion with your treating physician in advance. This will facilitate the sharing of your medical records with the medical professional at Erasmus MC. If you find this difficult, you can also seek advice from your primary care physician, a patient advocacy group, or your health insurance provider. - Contact the outpatient clinic at Erasmus MC
Call the outpatient clinic where you would like to schedule an appointment for a second opinion. You can also ask questions there about how a second opinion process works.
Second opinion at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute
Would you like to request a second opinion at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute? Read more on the page about second opinions at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute.
Are you a patient at Erasmus MC and would you like to get a second opinion elsewhere?
You can discuss this with your doctor at Erasmus MC. You do not need permission to request a second opinion.
Be sure to check in advance whether your health insurance covers a second opinion. If you have any questions about this, please contact your health insurance provider.
