There are no rules on when to get a Second Opinion. Usually one thinks about getting a Second Opinion when they are not totally satisfied with the treatment they are having. That is reason enough to seek one. Taking action when it comes to your health care will bring you the peace of mind you need to recover. Confidence in your treatment or diagnosis is fundamental.

There are common reasons when second opinions are the most successful. It is very important that success doesn’t mean proving a doctor wrong. Success means a patient's peace of mind because they understand and are comfortable with the course of action for whatever affliction they have.

• Treatment options: Many patients that are undergoing specific treatments have doubts if there might be a different course of action. Sometimes the treatment isn’t having the results the patient anticipated. This is a great reason to get a Second Opinion.
• Diagnosis: If you are diagnosed with a disease that you know nothing about, one can sometimes resist the diagnosis. A Second Opinion will reassure you, or sometimes disagree with the  diagnosis. It is also a good way to learn more about what can be causing your symptoms.
• Surgery: Sometimes surgery is not the only solution. In some situations, it can be avoided, and in others, it is the only way to go. What is certain is that surgery should not be taken lightly. Second opinions before undergoing surgery are elemental for a patients peace of mind

There could be many reasons to get a second opinion. A study published in the Journal Of Medicine concluded that patients seeking second opinions decided to go with recommended changes in diagnosis for about 15% and in treatment for about 37% of participants.