To ensure people maintain their maximum health it is not uncommon to seek a second medical opinion. This provides an added measure of objective information in an effort to yield a truly informed decision. Not only does a person often have the right to this second opinion, providers and payers, in an effort to reduce costs and unnecessary risks, will encourage patients to seek a second opinion. A person can trust their doctor yet still ask for a second opinion. Depending on the situation, be it regarding diagnosis or treatment, a second opinion can bolster a person’s emotional outlook on their medical condition. This added peace of mind can positively impact treatment results.

Just as doctors may differ regarding their diagnosis and mode of treatment of a patient—stemming from their own unique experience, training, and education—they may have different perspectives regarding what may constitute child abuse and neglect. A single medical opinion may lead to a child being sent to foster care or to a termination of parental rights.