When can you seek a second medical opinion in France?

Reader question: If I disagree with a doctor’s diagnosis can I ask for a new appointment with a different doctor? If I do, is this reimbursed at the normal rate?

It is possible in most cases to receive a second opinion. This may be useful, for example, if you are suffering from symptoms that could point to one of several medical issues or if the diagnosis implies long and complex treatment or surgeries. 

There is no definitive list as to which medical diagnoses you can ask for a second opinion on, however it is not usually worth it for minor issues likely to clear up quickly. 

Conditions for which they are often sought include respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, skin or digestive issues, joint or bone problems and cancers.

If both doctors provide the same diagnosis, this can give peace of mind. However, in some cases a second doctor may offer additional or alternative healthcare options.

Can appointments be reimbursed? 

Second medical appointments for the same issue can be reimbursed up to the same level as the first one if your GP (médecin traitant) refers you for the appointment. 

The best course of action, therefore, is to see him/her and explain your concerns. 

However, if you book a second appointment without first consulting your GP, you will be limited as to how much state reimbursement you receive from Assurance Maladie, which may fall as low as 30% of the appointment cost. In addition, your mutuelle will not usually in this case cover the remainder.

It is worth noting, however, that some mutuelle contracts include a free ‘second opinion’ service in the contract (service de second avis).

This sees your medical records, a description of your symptoms, as well as notes and diagnosis from the first doctor sent by the mutuelle to a second specialist to review, with the opinion usually received back within a week’s time.

However, they simply look over the notes to see if they agree – they do not meet with you.