If you’re living with a chronic illness, you may find yourself wondering if you’re receiving the best possible care. Getting a second opinion from another doctor can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you’re on the right track.

There are a few different situations in which you might seek out a second opinion on your chronic illness. If you’ve been diagnosed with a new condition, you may want to get another doctor’s opinion to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that you’re getting the best possible treatment. And if you’ve been living with a chronic illness for some time, you may want to get a second opinion to make sure that you’re still receiving the right care.

When to Get a Second Opinion

There are many different types of chronic illnesses, and each one requires its own unique treatment plan. If you’re not sure if you need a second opinion, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I have all the information I need about my diagnosis?
• Do I understand all of the treatment options available to me?
• Am I comfortable with the doctor or care team I’m working with?
• Do I feel like I’m being listened to and my concerns are being taken seriously?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to seek out a second opinion.

Getting a second opinion can be a helpful way to ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care for your chronic illness. With the right treatment plan, you can live a full and healthy life.

Types of Chronic Illnesses That Might Require a Second Opinion

Many different chronic illnesses can benefit from a second opinion. Here are a few examples:

• Arthritis – Often, patients with arthritis are first seen by their primary care physician or a rheumatologist. If you have arthritis, you may want to seek out a second opinion if you’re not seeing improvements in your symptoms, if your arthritis is affecting your quality of life, or if you’re concerned about the side effects of your medications.
• Diabetes – If you have diabetes, you should work with a team of healthcare professionals, including a primary care physician, an endocrinologist, and a dietitian. You may want to seek a second opinion if your blood sugar isn’t under control or if you’re having trouble managing your diabetes.
• Cancer – If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you’ll likely be seen by a team of specialists, including a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a surgeon. You may want to get a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with your treatment plan, if you’re concerned about the side effects of your treatment, or if you’re not seeing improvements in your symptoms.
• Heart disease – If you have heart disease, you should be seen by a cardiologist. You may want to seek a second opinion if you’re not seeing improvements in your symptoms or if you’re considering surgery.

If you’re living with a chronic illness, getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you’re on the right track. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your care.

Virtual Second Opinions from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

If you’re seeking a second opinion on your chronic illness, The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic can help.

Our virtual second opinion program offers convenient, confidential, and affordable second opinions from the comfort of your own home. You’ll be matched with one of Cleveland Clinics’ 3500 expert specialists in more than 550 advanced sub-specialties who will review your medical records, conduct a comprehensive review of your symptoms, and develop a personalized educational second opinion for your condition. With a virtual second opinion, you can get the answers you need without having to travel. Get started today.