Most doctors are quite flattered when patients ask them for a second opinion. It’s a matter of pride that the patient is asking you to comment on another doctor’s plan of action because they want to make sure that they are on the right track. Doesn’t this mean you are a doctor’s doctor? It's important that you follow a process in providing a second opinion.
It’s valuable that you document your reasons well and this is why it’s very helpful to use a template, to make sure you do a thorough systematic job. This way your patients will feel they have received value for their money, and are likely to refer other patients to you; and maybe even come to you for their treatment, if they can see you are thoughtful and well organized. Remember that they will share your opinion with others, and when other doctors review this, they will be able to see you are truly an expert, because you have…
