When should I seek a second opinion regarding treatment?

A second opinion regarding treatment should be sought when:your doctor is recommendig a surgical procedure and you are unsure about it;  you have received a diagnosis and you don't understand; or your doctor is not giving you any diagnosis at all and you still don't feel right. In all these situations, you shoudl seek a second opinion from another physician. 

No matter how much you trust your doctor and other healthcare professionals, there may be times when you would like a second opinion. This could occur when surgery, long-term medication, or other treatments that will drastically affect your lifestyle are recommended. You may also want a second opinion if your healthcare provider says you have a problem for which there is no known therapy or your provider calls the problem you have incurable.

Check with your insurance company to determine whether medical costs for a recommended procedure are covered. Also ask whether they cover the cost of a second opinion and whether they pay only their own recommended consultants.

When searching for a physician to provide a second ­opinion, first ask your physician or a healthcare professional you trust. Look for a doctor who is board certified in the field in which you are seeking information. One option is to call the appropriate department of a major medical center or teaching hospital and ask for the name of a specialist in the field.

Be sure to tell the physician about your diabetes. For problems not related to diabetes, try calling the appropriate department of a major ­medical center or teaching hospital and asking for the names of spe­cialists in the field.