When a health insurance policy includes a Mandatory Second Surgical Opinion provision, the insured must

• A. seek a second opinion for specified elective surgeries
• B. obtain prior authorization for all surgeries
• C. pay a deductible before any surgery
• D. consult a primary care physician before surgery

Answer: (A)

Mandatory Second Surgical Opinion means you must obtain a second professional opinion from a qualified surgeon or appropriate specialist before undergoing certain elective surgeries listed in the policy. This step helps confirm that the proposed procedure is medically necessary, appropriate for your condition, and that there aren’t clearly better alternatives, reducing the chance of unnecessary surgeries. The requirement typically applies only to specific elective procedures named in the plan and usually excludes emergencies. It isn’t about preauthorizing all surgeries, it doesn’t mandate paying a deductible specifically because of this provision, and it doesn’t automatically require consulting a primary care physician first.