Right to Second Opinion

Every patient can approach another doctor to obtain a second opinion. In other words, if you want to explore more options or you are dissatisfied with treatment, you can obtain a second opinion. This right to second opinion protects the freedom of a patient to seek the medical care that the patient thinks is best and most appropriate.¹. A patient is free to go for a second opinion to any doctor of his choice. The hospital/doctor where he received the first opinion have the following duties²:

• The doctor cannot hold back a patient from asking for a second opinion by withholding medical records, reports or demanding to release them at a cost.
• The hospital administration is duty-bound to respect this right of a patient. For instance, if the patient comes back to the first hospital after obtaining a second opinion.
• The hospital/doctor should not discriminate or treat the patient disrespectfully.
• Any differences of opinion among doctors should be frankly and impartially explained to the patient or his family.

1. Section 2.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 [↩]
2. Charter of Patient Rights, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. [↩]