Getting a Second Opinion on Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Before starting
colorectal cancer treatment, people with the disease might want a second opinion about their diagnosis and treatment options. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it. It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor. In general, taking several weeks to get a second opinion does not make colorectal cancer treatment less effective. But in some cases, however, people with colorectal cancer need immediate care.
There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion, including:
- Asking your doctor for a recommendation
- Visiting the websites of the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to check the credentials of different doctors
- Discussing the matter with family and friends and getting their input
- Checking with local hospitals to see if they have a doctor referral service.
Preparing for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
A doctor develops a colorectal cancer treatment plan to fit each person's individual needs. Colorectal cancer treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the
colon or rectum and the stage of the disease. The doctor can describe the colorectal treatment choices and the expected results.
People do not need to ask all of their questions at once. Patients with colorectal cancer will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear, and to ask for more information.
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