What is a second medical opinion?

In Germany, people have a legal right to a second medical opinion for certain non-urgent operations. That means doctors who recommend one of those operations must tell their patients that they have a right to discuss whether to have surgery or not with another specialist at no extra cost.
This right applies to the following types of surgery:
- Hysterectomy
- Tonsil surgery
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Knee replacement
- Amputation due to diabetic foot syndrome
- Spine surgery
Some health insurance providers also offer their members a consultation with an additional specialist, for example for operations on the spine, knee and hip.