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Questions to ask your doctor
How do I get a second opinion?

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What kind of bladder cancer do I have?
  • What is the stage of the disease? Has the cancer spread?
  • What is the grade of the tumor?
  • What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?
  • What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
  • What is the treatment likely to cost? Is this treatment covered by my insurance plan?
  • How will treatment affect my normal activities?
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    How do I get a second opinion?

    Before starting your treatment plan, or having surgery, you may want to get a second opinion about the diagnosis, stage, and treatment. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover it if the patient requests this. Gathering medical records and arranging to see another doctor may take a little time. In most cases, a brief delay in treatment will not affect the outcome.To find a doctor for a second opinion, you can ask your own doctor for a referral. You should also consider contacting the Urology Department at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. In general, physicians at the cancer centers see a higher volume of bladder cancer patients and have considerable experience dealing with the disease.
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    The information and services provides by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) are for informational purposes only. The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, seek professional medical attention immediately! BCAN does not recommend or endorse any specific physicians, treatments, procedures or products even though they may be mentioned on this site