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Germany: Second opinion

In Germany a second opinion (Zweitmeinung) is common practice, and many funds pay for it after a cancer diagnosis.

Last updated: ~1 min read
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Figure 1.A second look — Germany: Second opinion

01Short answer

Because choice of doctor and hospital is wide in Germany, seeing a haematologist at another centre is often possible. For some planned operations the right to a second opinion is set in law; for cancer, check the terms with your fund. Certified centres can also give second opinions. Asking for one is not a sign of distrust.

02Simple explanation

Choice: wide.

Fund: often pays.

Centre: certified.

03Scientific explanation

When it helps: with a rare type, a complex decision or a transplant choice.

Research: a second opinion may also reveal new clinical trials.

04What happens in the body?

A second look

Another specialist assesses the same information.

Records

Results and scans are sent through official channels.

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Figure 2.Sending records — Germany: Second opinion

Decision

Discuss both opinions with your team.

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Figure 3.A calm decision — Germany: Second opinion

05The second-opinion path

Four steps.

Team — Tell them.1TeamTell them.
Referral — Get one.2ReferralGet one.
Records — Send them.3RecordsSend them.
Compare — Discuss.4CompareDiscuss.
ConfidenceA firm decision.
OpennessYour team knows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A second lookAnother specialist assesses the same information.
RecordsResults and scans are sent through official channels.
DecisionDiscuss both opinions with your team.

07Key terms

Zweitmeinung
Second opinion.
Überweisung
Referral.
Befunde
Results.
Behandelnder Arzt
Treating doctor.

08Key points

  • Tell your team openly.
  • Check payment.
  • Send all results.
  • Write down questions.
  • Do not delay treatment.

09Frequently asked questions

Will my doctor be offended?

A second opinion is normal practice.

A second opinion abroad?

Possible, but payment rules differ; see “Germany: Treatment abroad”.

What if opinions differ?

Discuss both with your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will my doctor be offended?

  2. A second opinion abroad?

  3. What if opinions differ?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Krebsinformationsdienst (DKFZ). Official website (in German)
  2. Deutsche Krebshilfe. Official website (in German)
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  4. American Cancer Society. Seeking a Second Opinion
  5. Ege University. Official website
  6. Acıbadem Healthcare Group. Official website
  7. HealthTürkiye (Ministry of Health / USHAŞ). Official health tourism portal
  8. Türkiye İlaç ve Tıbbi Cihaz Kurumu (TİTCK). Official website (in Turkish)
  9. Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). Yurt dışından ilaç temini (in Turkish)
  10. Türk Eczacıları Birliği (TEB). Yurt dışından ilaç temini: hasta başvurusu (in Turkish)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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