How can I get a second medical opinion while on active duty?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 17:29:58 -0400

Recently I was demobed for medical. When I went to see the specialist for problem, I felt that he half assed the exam and didn't really want to do anything. excuse the language. I went back to speak with my case manager today and requested a second opinion and was told they don't normally do that but that I would be scheduled for another appointment and would be notified of the appointment date and time. fast foreward to the end of day formation with the command that im falling under while going thru this process, I was told that I would be going back to my case manager tomorrow and would be clearing medical. I asked the SFC what changed and he told me that there was information that I was nto aware of and that in the army I don't get a second opinion. I don't believe this to be true. Does anyone know of a DA or AR which I can look up ?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 5:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 17:54:37 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member respectfully, you can go to a civilian doctor. Then, bring those opinions to your military doctor if the opinions vary.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 21 at 2018 6:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:37:14 -0400

I have said this numerous times to soldiers. Fight for what is right.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Aug 21 at 2018 8:28 PM

MSG Johnathan Mathes — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 20:28:31 -0400

sgt if your hurt... go back and tell them to reassess it... you do have patient rights... a SFC cannot tell you that your not hurt because he doesn't want to give you info that you the patient are entitled to

Response by SPC Russ Bolton made Aug 21 at 2018 8:35 PM

SPC Russ Bolton — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 20:35:42 -0400

You can either go to another V. A. Hospital as a walk-in. Or go to a civilian doctor for the bill

Response by SSG Dennis Mendoza made Aug 22 at 2018 5:15 AM

SSG Dennis Mendoza — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 05:15:18 -0400

That's strange they're telling you that the army doesn't do second opinions, because in my case they did. Long time ago I went to a specialist he said I needed surgery, I came back after that appointment spoke to a provider told the provider what that particular doctor said and then a month later I was scheduled again to another specialist that did the same test, it took two opinions and 4 years later for the army to finally admit for me to get fixed up (surgery)

Response by TSgt David Holman made Aug 22 at 2018 8:00 AM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 08:00:51 -0400

This is not correct. You are entitled to a second opinion. The onus would actually be on your leadership to show a DA or AR that specifically states that you don't. The bottom line is that medical providers are human, and it is called a "practice" for a reason. No one person is going to be right every time, even specialists. Contact your medical team about the patient rights and responsibilities, and go to the patient advocate. Bottom line, your SFC is wrong, you are allowed a second opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2018 9:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 09:41:59 -0400

Most of what people are telling you here is there personal opinion.
Under TRICARE you are entitled to a second opinion. There's no AR that covers it because TRICARE is an HMO. You can dig through the TRICARE FAQs and find that you are entitled to a second opinion. You can either go back to your case manager and demand one - yes, that is your right, or schedule an appointment at the MTF for one.
If you hit resistance, reach out to the patient advocate or the ombudsman at the local military treatment facility.

Response by SFC(P) Richard Warren made Aug 22 at 2018 1:51 PM

SFC(P) Richard Warren — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:51:40 -0400

Go to any civilian provided (or to a VAMC) and as if they can see you there and offer an opinion

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 1:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 01:37:42 -0400

Were you in the process of Moving or were you REFRAD? There is a difference. Yes you can get a second opinion however if you were in the process of being mobilized the medical section at the SRP site may not bother and just say unfit fix the issues and return. If you are already on title 10 and mobed and being release from AD you can press the issue because you are already there. It doesn't hurt to push the issue either way.