Plan ahead for prescriptions. Most pharmacy and provider offices will be closed on Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find same-day care options including urgent care. More Info

Getting a Second Opinion

It's Your Decision

Asking another doctor or surgeon for a second opinion is an important step in ensuring that this particular procedure is the best option for you. A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about the best treatment for your condition and can help you weigh the risks and benefits against possible alternatives to the surgery.

Several health plans now require and will pay for patients to obtain a second opinion on certain non-emergency procedures. Medicare may also pay for patients to obtain a second opinion. Even if your plan does not require this, you still can request a second opinion.

If you decide to get a second opinion, check with your health plan to see if it is covered. Your primary care doctor or hospital can provide you with names of qualified doctors. Be sure to get your medical records from your first doctor so that the second one does not need to repeat tests and procedures.

Remember, in the case of emergency surgeries, the surgery should be done as quickly as possible and, most likely, there will not be time to get a second opinion. The necessity of getting a second opinion should always be weighed against the severity and urgency of the medical condition

Continue Watching

Check-up: Breast augmentation vs. breast lift (Nicole Phillips, MD)

Breast procedures are some of the most popular plastic surgeries from year to year because many women have in mind the breast profile they would like to achieve.

Feb 16, 2023
Physician video profile: Nicole Phillips, MD (Plastic Surgery)

Nicole Phillips, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Stonegate Plastic Surgery.

Oct 11, 2022
Check-up: What is general surgery? (Benjamin Sopczynski, MD)

General surgeons at Spectrum Health Lakeland specialize in surgical procedures to promote health and healing and treat a range of conditions and injuries from head to toe.

Apr 04, 2022
Provider Video Profile: Lauren Farris, PA (General Surgery)

Lauren Farris, PA, is a physician assistant at Southwestern Medical Clinic Surgical Specialties.

Mar 15, 2022
How can you prepare for the cost of surgery?

Planning for a surgery? Stay ahead of your health care bills by connecting with a financial counselor today.

Dec 06, 2021
Weight loss surgery: McKenzie Stanton "Finding a balance"

Since undergoing a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, McKenzie is down 89 pounds and has energy to keep up with her son.

Nov 15, 2021
Check-up: Breast cancer surgery (Maria Rapciak, DO)

Surgery is a common treatment for breast cancer. It’s done to remove as much of the cancer as possible. General surgeon, Maria Rapciak, DO, explains the types of surgical options available to women and the factors that go into creating a plan of care.

Sep 20, 2021
Colon cancer: Judi Huff "Listen to your body"

Judi was shocked to learn that her pain was caused by colon cancer. Thanks to general surgeon, Michael Webb, MD, Judi is now cancer free.

Sep 02, 2021
Check-up: When a blocked bowel needs surgery (Seth Miller, MD)

General surgeon, Seth Miller, MD, explains blocked bowel symptoms and when surgery may be needed.

Jun 15, 2021
Lakeland Weight Loss Center: More than a number on the scale.

Patients at the Lakeland Weight Loss Center share their personal experience undergoing bariatric surgery and how it has improved their health and overall outlook on life.

Apr 26, 2021

Trending on Lakeland

Corewell Health Named One of the 2024 Best Companies for Multicultural Women

Corewell Health™ has been named one of the 2024 Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Seramount, a strategic professional services and research firm focusing on inclusive workplaces. The honor recognizes the top 80 companies nationally that create and use best practices in hiring, retaining and promoting multicultural women in the United States.

New Corewell Health Facility Improves Primary Care Access in Southwest Michigan

Corewell Health Primary Care Dowagiac is located at 520 Main St. The facility will open its doors to new patients on May 29 and will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Corewell Health names new president for Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Natalie Baggio, RN, will become the new president of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, effective July 1. She will report to the system’s Chief Operating Officer, Darryl Elmouchi, M.D., and also will actively engage with the health system’s leadership team.

Corewell Health Center for Wellness Has Relocated to Expand Local Health Services in Benton Harbor

The Corewell Health™ Center for Wellness has moved to a spacious new building around the corner from its original facility. The new space is approximately 24,000 square feet - nearly 20 times larger than the previous location, adding adequate room to expand community-based health services.

Corewell Health’s President in Southwest Michigan Announces Retirement

Loren B. Hamel, M.D., president, Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan, has announced his plan to retire on June 30, 2024.

New Members Appointed to Corewell Health South Board of Directors

Corewell Health welcomed two new members to its board of directors in Southwest Michigan. Bertha King and Stephen Hempel, M.D., began three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2024.

Corewell Health Announces Changes to Board of Directors, Appoints New Chair

Today, Corewell Health™ announced changes to its board of directors, including the introduction of two new members, the appointment of a new chair and vice chair, and the departure of three founding board members.

Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season

Corewell Health™, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, is encouraging Lakeland area community members to donate blood this holiday season. A series of community blood drives will take place this December.

Corewell Health, YMCA Increase Access to Healthy Foods Through Veggie Van™ Partnership

The Veggie Van™, a mobile farmers market, served 13 counties throughout Michigan this year, ensuring that free fruits and vegetables were available to individuals who otherwise had limited access. The program, a joint effort of Corewell Health™ and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, launched in 2018 to combat food insecurity and will continue for a sixth consecutive year in spring 2024. Through their partnership, 46,466 free pieces of produce were distributed to Michigan families in 2023.

Corewell Health Named a Leading Inclusion Index Company

Corewell Health™ was named to professional services and research firm Seramount’s 2023 Inclusion Index. The recognition measures three key areas of an organization: best practices in the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from historically marginalized groups—women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people; inclusive company culture; and demographic diversity.

South Haven Luminary Fundraiser  for Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care

Community members are invited to support Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, formerly Caring Circle, by purchasing a luminary now through Monday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Gastroenterology joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan area residents can access gastroenterology services at a new Corewell Health™ facility, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology, 3903 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The facility, formerly Great Lakes Gastroenterology, joined Corewell Health on Nov. 1.

Drug Take Back Day Encourages Community to Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Corewell Health and Berrien County Sheriff Department have teamed up to collect unused and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal. Community members are invited to stop by Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital and Corewell Health Care Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New General Surgeon Joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

General surgeon Andrew Vaughan, D.O., joined the medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Vaughan will see patients alongside several board-certified surgeons and advanced practitioners at 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Physician to Diabetes and Endocrinology

Board-certified endocrinologist, Inderpreet Madahar, M.D., will join Corewell Health’s medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Madahar will see patients at Corewell Health Diabetes and Endocrinology – Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 288, St. Joseph.

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