Second opinion

Abstract

Getting a second opinion is a means for patients or their family members to obtain independent advice concerning the diagnosis and treatment of diseases from additional physicians other than those currently providing care to the patients. It has received much attention recently in Japan as a result of several factors. Nowadays, Japanese people are keenly aware of the increasing burden of medical care costs reflecting the aging of the population. Many people want to receive the best quality medical care available rather than entrusting the treatment of diseases entirely to their physicians. The advancement of medical technology has promoted the specialization of medical care, diversification of treatment procedures, and expansion of treatment choices, and patients consequently want to select treatment based on their own values supported by sufficient information and knowledge. More and more patients are seeking second opinions in this situation. On the physicians' side, second opinions provide objective evaluation of their treatment. We should recognize that this not only contributes to the improvement of the quality of medical care, but also strengthens the mutual reliance between the physician and the patient.