• Suitable for 0-8Years

Second opinions and changing doctors

 

There may be times when you aren't happy with a doctor’s diagnosis or advice. Here's what to do if you want a second opinion or are considering changing doctors.

As a first step, tell the doctor your concerns. If your child is not improving with a doctor's treatment and you return for review, the doctor should explore why treatment is not working and learn from that experience. This gives doctors the opportunity to change the treatment or help you get a second opinion.

If you’re still not happy, tell your doctor you want to get a second opinion. You can seek a second opinion from another doctor, a paediatrician or a children’s hospital.

Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice. Your doctor will help you choose someone who can give a second opinion. It will help the diagnosis if the doctor writes a letter to the other doctor or arranges the appointment. The other doctor will usually write back to your doctor with the second opinion.

Medical practice is constantly changing so a second opinion allows you and your doctor to benefit from the expertise of a doctor more familiar with your child's problem. A good doctor recognises when they are ‘out of their depth’.

Changing doctors

For whatever reason, you sometimes have to choose a new doctor.

Once you have chosen one, ask your current doctor to transfer your child’s records. If your child has been to a hospital or specialist, ask them to transfer their records as well. If you prefer, you can ask the new doctor to write to the old doctor for your child’s records. Usually written consent is required to transfer medical records.