Genuine question. I do not need a second opinion but work in a field where we endeavour to help people who have issues with their health care. Patients have the right to ask for a second opinion but do not, I think, have the right to receive one. Am told by some patients of serious conerns that if they ask for a second opinion, they can then experience at worst negative reaction from the original medic and at worst, feel that such a request can engender an attitude akin to, 'If you don't like it, register with another practice,' - the patient is labelled as a troublemaker and then might have difficulty registering elsewhere. Would like some straight talking opinions from medics. I am not talking about patients who pester their doctors with every little toe ache but people who have serious concerns and who feel they are stuck, unable to get treatment but afraid they might jeopardise the doctor/patient relationship simply by asking for another doctor to examine them.