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Signs You Need a Second Opinion (& How to Get One)

June Lawver
June Lawver · March 7, 2025
7 min read · Sources Verified
Medical review by Kat McGraw MD
When to get a second opinion

Why Second Opinions Matter

In medicine, second opinions are often a crucial step toward achieving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. In 2017, a study performed by the Mayo Clinic showed that 21% of patients who sought a second opinion received a completely new diagnosis, while 66% had their initial diagnosis refined or redefined.

Diagram explaining the usefulness of second opinions in medical diagnoses.

In only 12% of cases was the referral diagnosis the same as the initial one. Although striking, this statistic won’t be surprising to those who suffer from chronic illness.

Note: the second opinion isn’t always the “right” opinion–it’s just another informed perspective.

In this article, we’ll walk through the signs that it might be time for a second opinion and how to advocate for yourself while still building strong, collaborative relationships with your healthcare team.

Pro Tip: If you're navigating multiple opinions or tracking symptoms across providers, Guava can help you stay organized. Use the Visit Prep feature to keep your symptoms, tests, and questions in one place—so each appointment counts.

A Dual Perspective: Insights from a Nurse and Patient

If anything has been learned from entering a new age of personalized healthcare, it’s that you are your own strongest advocate. De’Ja Wrought Brunson, a registered nurse (RN) who has spent years both treating patients and navigating the healthcare system herself, learned this lesson firsthand.

De’Ja is an RN, a Guava Patient Advisory Board member, and a patient herself. She suffers from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and severe back pain.

When De’Ja injured her back early in her nursing career, her first doctor told her to take ibuprofen and return to work—despite the sharp, daily pain she was experiencing.

Although the doctor didn’t see any issues, she knew something was wrong.

Even with her medical background, it took multiple opinions and nearly a decade to find a specialist who could identify the exact issue and provide effective treatment. Unfortunately, De’Ja’s story isn’t unique.

Many patients—especially those with chronic or complex conditions—feel rushed, unheard, or uncertain about their care. Often, this isn’t due to negligence on the provider’s end, but a result of time constraints and pressure within today’s healthcare system.

If you’re still left with questions, seeking a second opinion can be a productive next step. It’s not about challenging your provider, but instead about gaining clarity, exploring options, and feeling confident in your care.

Keep in mind that as a patient or patient advocate, you always have the right to seek a second opinion.

Signs You Need a Second Opinion

Recognizing when to advocate for yourself can be challenging, especially in clinical settings that can feel intimidating or disempowering. However, there are key red flags that can indicate when it’s time to seek a second opinion.

For De’Ja and other people of color, getting a second opinion on your care can be particularly important, especially when it comes to rare or under-researched conditions. Biomedical research specific to Black people and other marginalized groups is underfunded. This means that many conditions affecting these groups are less understood and it can take longer to reach a correct diagnosis or receive appropriate care.

That said, it’s also important to recognize that many conditions—especially complex ones—don’t come with clear-cut answers right away. Diagnosis is often a step-by-step process, where providers work through possibilities over time. While this can feel discouraging, especially if you've already faced dismissal or bias, it doesn’t always mean your provider is wrong or untrustworthy.

Overcoming the Fear of Asking for a Second Opinion

Many patients worry that asking for a second opinion will offend their doctor. In reality, most providers support second opinions—especially when they’re approached as part of building a thorough, well-informed treatment plan. When done respectfully, second opinions can actually strengthen the patient-provider relationship.

As a minority navigating the healthcare system, De’Ja explained that she understands why many patients feel scared. As an RN, however, she emphasized that your care team is supposed to work hand-in-hand, not independently.

Collaboration is often key in building a successful treatment plan. While your primary care provider (PCP) should be your home base, they shouldn’t hesitate to refer you to a specialist if your symptoms seem out of their scope.

Care team collaborating on patient treatment.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing the fact that you’d like to seek out another opinion, you don’t have to. However, it may be a good idea to keep them in the loop about medications and to avoid repeated testing. Here are some things you can say to ask for a referral or second opinion politely while maintaining your assertiveness:

“I appreciate your perspective, but I’d feel more comfortable getting another opinion to be sure we’re on the right track.”

“Before moving forward with treatment, I’d like to consult another specialist to compare recommendations.”

How to Get a Second Opinion Without a Referral

Many specialists allow patients to schedule appointments directly without needing a referral, depending on your insurance and the type of care required. Here are some ways to seek a second opinion without a referral:

Before scheduling, ensure the specialist accepts your insurance or be prepared for potential out-of-pocket costs. You’ll also have to obtain your medical records from your initial provider by accessing your patient portal or contacting your provider’s office.

Learn how to get your medical records.

What to Bring to Your Second Opinion Appointment

What to bring to a doctor's visit when they don't believe you.

Doctors are data-driven, so having numeric data on symptom history throughout the time leading up to the appointment can be quite useful. Due to the time constraints of doctor’s appointments, going into the visit with an agenda can help keep the information you need to communicate concise and focused. As a provider herself, De’Ja has a few tips for patients going into their doctor's visits.

Simplify preparing for your appointment. Guava’s Visit Prep feature helps you streamline this process by organizing your symptom history, test results, and key concerns in one place. With an easy-to-follow format, you can walk into your appointment confident and prepared.

Visit Prep feature in Guava

How to Ensure Your New Provider Takes You Seriously

Walking into a second-opinion appointment with confidence can make all the difference in how you are treated. De’Ja noted that as an overweight Black woman, her symptoms were frequently misattributed to anxiety or weight-related issues, leading to delays in care and misdiagnoses. This kind of bias disproportionately affects marginalized patients, making it even more critical to advocate for yourself.

Here’s how you can ensure your provider takes you seriously, no matter your background:

If the second opinion conflicts with the first, don’t panic. You can consider:

“Sometimes it takes more than one second opinion. Sometimes, it’s a third or fourth opinion before answers come. I know it can be absolutely draining, but please don't give up hope.” — De’Ja Wrought Brunson, RN

Understanding Self-Advocacy in Healthcare

Self-advocacy is the ability to confidently express your needs, concerns, and preferences in the healthcare decision-making process. It means asking the right questions, pushing for answers, and ensuring you are receiving the best possible care. Many patients hesitate to speak up, but advocating for yourself is essential to getting accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

You Are Your Own Best Advocate

De’Ja’s advice?

“Remember that even though doctors went to medical school, you’ve lived in your body your whole life. You are the leader of your healthcare team.”

A second opinion can bring valuable insights, confirm a diagnosis, or offer a new direction—but it’s not about mistrust or proving your provider wrong. It's about building a healthcare team that works with you, not just for you. Your voice matters, and when paired with strong provider relationships, it becomes a powerful tool for better health outcomes.

Empower your next doctor’s visit with Guava.

Getting the right diagnosis starts with clear communication. Guava makes it easy to track symptoms, organize your health info, and share it with your care team—all in one free tool.


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