Opinion on a matter disputed by two or more parties
A second opinion is an opinion on a matter disputed by two or more parties.
Law
In legal cases, a second opinion which contradicts the opinion of a jointly retained expert may be disregarded as not being impartial.[1]
Consumer rights
In cases such as car repairs, a second opinion should be obtained in writing, and the original garage given an opportunity to rectify matters.[2] In the case of clients' disputes with domestic building contractors, the builder may seek a second opinion to confirm their view.[3]
Medicine
A second opinion can be a visit to a physician other than the one a patient has previously been seeing in order to get more information or to hear a differing point of view.[4][5] Some reasons for which a patient may seek out a second opinion include:
- Physician recommends surgery.
- Physician diagnoses patient with serious illness (such as cancer).[6]
- Physician recommends a treatment for the patient other than what the patient believes is necessary.
- When physician recommends elective surgery, it may be required by the insurance plan. In other cases, insurance will not pay for a second opinion.[7]
- Patient believes they have a condition that the physician diagnosed incorrectly or failed to diagnose.[6]
- The physician themself recommends a second opinion.[6][8]
Different payment procedures apply to different second opinions. For example, some health plans pay for second opinions for members; many employers offer free second opinion benefits through companies like Grand Rounds or similar companies; and some states have public programs for cancer second opinions.[9]
Workplace disputes
Second opinions may also be obtained by employers.[10]
Professional mediators may be asked for second opinions regarding whether to proceed to trial or seek a settlement instead.[11]
References