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Second Opinion

A second opinion is an evaluation by a doctor after a person has already been examined, diagnosed, or treated by another doctor.

A second opinion is not done to prove or disprove a doctor's recommendation. Rather, the purpose of getting a second opinion is to explore options, especially if a person is having difficulty choosing a treatment or if a diagnosis is unclear.

Last Revised: December 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

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