Once you find a health care provider, he or she does not have to be your only source of information. Breast cancer is complex and serious. Everyone diagnosed with breast cancer should consider getting a second opinion.
Seeing a second provider from a different hospital or group practice serves many purposes. It can instill confidence in the first provider by confirming a diagnosis or course of treatment. It can give a different insight into your diagnosis and treatment and increase your options for care. And, it gives you a chance to interact in-depth with another provider, who may be better suited to give your care.
Your provider should be comfortable with and, in fact, encourage you to get a second opinion. A provider should never discourage you from getting a second opinion.
However, before getting a second opinion, it is best to check with your insurance company to see if there are any limits. Some policies may only cover second opinions from providers in their network.
Updated 05/16/11
