Starting Out With Asking for a Second Opinion
Asking for a Second Opinion: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
Asking a different clinician to review your diagnosis or treatment plan.
Key takeaways
- Legal position: no statutory right to a second opinion in the NHS
- In practice: requests are not usually refused
- Most useful single change: Say what specifically you want reviewed rather than asking to start again.
- Commonest mistake: Framing it as a loss of confidence, which makes the conversation harder than it needs to be.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
It is not a complaint and is rarely refused, but there is no legal right to one, so how you ask matters.
Start here
Just these two to begin with. The rest can wait.
- Say what specifically you want reviewed rather than asking to start again
- Ask the current clinician first, which is usually quicker than going around them
Then add these
The next additions, when you are ready for them.
- Write down the questions you want the second clinician to answer
- Ask for copies of your results so nothing has to be repeated unnecessarily
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Legal position | no statutory right to a second opinion in the NHS |
| In practice | requests are not usually refused |
| Who to ask | your GP, or the consultant currently treating you |
| What is needed | your notes, scans and test results go with the request |
Common early mistakes
- Framing it as a loss of confidence, which makes the conversation harder than it needs to be
- Stopping the current treatment while you wait, unless you are told to
- Paying privately before asking whether the NHS will arrange it
Where to go next
- Your Questions About Asking for a Second Opinion, Answered
- Asking for a Second Opinion: The Quick Reference
- Asking for a Second Opinion — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Leaving Hospital, Without the Hype
- Accessing Your Health Records: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to speak to a doctor
If you are seriously unwell, do not delay treatment while arranging a second opinion. Speak to your clinician about what is safe to postpone.
Where this comes from
- NHS — Can I get a second opinion?
- General Medical Council — Good medical practice
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
