Earlier this week we conducted an interview with Erik Ranschaert and Toni Clarkson on why we should consider getting a second opinion after a diagnosis.

Do remember

• 36% of Brits are more likely to seek a second opinion on financial advice than on their own health
• New research released today also shows only a third of Brits say they would seek a second medical opinion about their diagnosis or treatment
• One in five Brits said that being concerned about offending or angering their doctor would stop them from asking for a second medical opinion

Britons are more likely to seek a second opinion on financial advice (36%) than on their own health.
As well as this, only 30% of people questioned in a new nationwide survey saying they would seek a second medical opinion about their diagnosis or treatment. A fifth of those asked (21%) said that concern about offending or angering their doctor would stop them from asking for a second medical opinion.


The survey suggested that a little over half (52%) of Britons are aware that they are entitled to ask a GP or health professional (such as a consultant) for a second opinion about their diagnosis or treatment. The reality is that NHS and private patients can ask for a second opinion on a recent examination, blood test or scan and get access to their medical records.

There have been a number of high profile cases of medical misdiagnosis including Kylie Minogue who publicly acknowledged that her initial diagnosis was wrong, and more recently Tom Hank’s wife Rita Wilson who had a double mastectomy only after seeking a second opinion. 15% of breast cancer cases are only diagnosed following a second opinion.

When asked to give reasons for seeking a second medical opinion, a third of people surveyed (33%) cited “concern that something has been missed on a scan” and one in five (20%) referred to concern that they are on the wrong medication for their condition. Being uncertain of the original diagnosis and seeking peace of mind (both 46%) are the most important reasons to seek a second medical opinion for the British public, closely followed by seeking additional advice on treatment options (43%).

No wonder then, that three quarters (74%) surveyed Diagnose.me say that having access to an online portal where they could seek a second medical opinion would be useful. A separate recent study revealed that second medical opinion can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis by up to 90%.
The survey did highlight that Britons actively seek medical information online with two in five (41%) people saying they go online before visiting the GP to research their symptoms, and 40% saying they would do so after a visit to the doctor to look up a diagnosis, treatment or condition.

You can listen to the interview here