What is a Second Opinion Visit?

A second opinion is when a doctor other than your regular doctor gives you expert advice or another opinion about your medical problems.  Dr. Kunde offers second-opinion consults that can help you better understand and manage the GI illness of your child.

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Making a decision about the health of your child can be highly challenging and stressful. Pediatric GI is a specialty where, many times, diagnosis is not straightforward and needs a deep understanding of the child’s GI system. Doctors’ opinions, diagnoses, investigations, and treatment approaches may differ. Therefore, getting a second opinion and weighing your options is a very reasonable approach. Decisions regarding your child’s health should be made after you have been thoroughly informed about the diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. A second opinion can help you make a more informed decision about your care.

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Will my doctor be upset if I get a second opinion?

This is a common practice in healthcare and many patients and families ask for a second opinion. While second opinions may be awkward for doctors and patients, it is sometimes in the best interest of your child’s long-term care. Most doctors will welcome another physician’s input.

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Second opinions don’t hurt and in fact, may help

It never hurts to get a second opinion. Keep in mind that doctors are human and they too can make mistakes or be faced with unusual or challenging cases. When the first doctor’s opinion is the same or similar to the second doctor’s, your confidence will be increased. There is nothing lost by consulting with one more doctor just to make sure that the first doctor’s opinion is correct. With chronic (long-term) illnesses that may require extended treatment, you should feel confident that you have chosen the most appropriate treatment for your particular situation. A valid opinion and proper course of treatment is your best option for returning to good health or grasping control of the chronic disease.​