Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

June 2005     View PDF
Reprinted from National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov, US

Getting a second opinion

Before starting treatment, patients may want a second opinion to confirm their diagnosis and treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.

There are a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion:

• The patient’s doctor may be able to suggest specialists to consult.
• The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about cancer treatment facilities, including cancer centers and other programs supported by the NCI.
• Patients can get the names of doctors from their local medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school.
• The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has a list of doctors who have met certain education and training requirements and have passed specialty examinations. The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists lists doctors’ names along with their specialty and their educational background. The directory is available in most public libraries. Also, ABMS offers this information on the Internet at www.abms.org. (Click on “Who’s Certified.”)