There are different scenarios in which patients would likely want a second opinion from another doctor. A common experience among healthy people going for a routine exam is being told that something has shown up in their lab results that needs to be evaluated further. These people often have no symptoms and are not ready to hear bad news about their health. But then they are asked to undergo another test, which leads them to see a specialist who then recommends a procedure, such as a cardiac catheterization, that will prevent a future catastrophe, such as a heart attack. Shocked by such a proposition, the patient naturally wants to be sure if he really needs the procedure, since he never thought he was sick. Another scenario is that of a sick patient who would rather hear from another expert that the feared diagnosis is probably faulty or that a more conservative form of treatment will allow their condition to improve, even without surgery. However, some patients who have only seen a doctor one or more times would like to go to someone else they trust, especially if the doctor-patient relationship is not well established. The truth is that even doctors seek advice from their colleagues. concerning their diagnosis and the management of certain problematic cases. They discuss interesting cases during their large sessions and conferences. And it's not uncommon for doctors to have differing opinions, based on their clinical experience and expertise. Additionally, it is also possible that a second opinion does not lead a patient to make a decision or accept their situation, but instead leads them to seek a third or fourth opinion until they find the answers to his questions or that he likes what... ... middle of paper ...... less risk. You do not have to accept the second doctor's recommendations. In some cases, you may want to reconsider the first doctor's advice. Sometimes the second doctor can give similar advice as your first doctor. However, if you think you need a third opinion, which is not at all irregular, go ahead until you are sure of your decision.Works CitedWebMD. Second opinions. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/second-opinions;AHA. Get a Second Medical Opinion http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Getting-a-Second-Medical-Opinion_UCM_434325_Article.jsp; CNN. Five diagnoses that require a second opinion. http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/08/30/ep.second.opinion/index.html;Van de Graaff, E. Never hesitate to seek a second medical opinion.http://www .kevinmd.com/blog/2010/11/hesitate-seek-medical-opinion.html