How to Obtain a Second Opinion for a Brain Tumor

The option to obtain a second opinion for a brain tumor may be required or restricted by your insurance provider. The same standard of care should be expected from a doctor who gives a second opinion as that of your primary care physician. A neuropathologist is most experienced in identification and staging of the various types of brain tumors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Medical reports
• Neuro-oncologist
• Neuropathologist

Research for a Second Opinion

1. Understand the value of a second opinion about brain tumor surgery. It is crucial to obtain the right diagnosis for the type of tumor. With over a hundred possibilities for tumor identification, getting the precise type and degree of advancement is necessary to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
2. For a second opinion, seek only doctors who are board certified in their field. While there are some excellent doctors who are not board certified, the best way to know a doctor has adequate training is to ask about certification.
3. Ask your medical center if they offer the services of a tumor board. This is a group of doctors, such as neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neurologists and other health care providers who diagnose and treat brain tumors. Ask for your diagnostic findings to be evaluated by the group so they can make a recommendation about treatment options.
4. Take copies of all the tests and reports related to your condition to the doctor you choose for a second opinion. Repeat diagnostic testing should not be necessary unless the report is incomplete. In that case, be prepared to pay for the test if your insurance provider denies coverage.
5. Visit the National Brain Tumor Foundation to locate brain tumor medical centers in your area (see Resources below). These centers can help you locate a qualified health care professional to provide a second opinion about your diagnosis of brain tumor.
6. You must have the patient's permission or be the legal guardian to request a second opinion for someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• A second opinion is especially important to obtain if you have difficulty understanding your physician, or if you're not comfortable with the treatment recommended.
• If you are diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor, a second opinion is an absolute essential for peace of mind. Make sure that the neuro-oncologist you choose is experienced in your type of tumor.