I previously worked as an electrician and it wasn't uncommon for the customer to seek another quote or second opinion this is true in many walks of life where it is only money involved so why is there such a problem getting an second opinion when it is something as important as our health.
I wonder if my GP would just accept a builders word on an quote for an extension for example I very much doubt it.
I use the word only money this is because I have none 
We should be able to seek a second opinion. The only problem is that we would have to make sure the Endo is sympathetic and consider clinical symptoms, otherwise the consultation would be a waste of time and energy.
Alan Gardner wrote a very interesting blog on second opinions the other day:
thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...
Well worth reading.
(You'll probably find the endos still working to 3rd Edition of the regulations - even though the rest of the world has moved onto the 17th. )
Very true. Also if you're looking for a new doctor/dentist/endocrinologist you can rarely find review on the internet. But if you want to hire a builder or book a restaurant you usually can.
Just to confirm what glynisrose said. the NHS Constitution 2012 does not give patients a RIGHT to a second opinion.
This is from NHS Choices
You can ask your GP or another healthcare professional for a second or further opinion (an opinion about your health condition from a different doctor). Although you do not have a legal right to a second opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for one.
For more information, see your right to choice in the NHS.
Do you need a second opinion?
Before asking for a second opinion, it’s worth asking your GP or consultant to go over and explain anything you don’t understand.
If you’re unhappy with your diagnosis or would like to consider a different course of treatment, discuss this with them. Your GP or consultant will be happy to explain things and in many cases there may be no need for a second opinion.
Can anyone else ask for a second opinion?
Your family or carer can also ask for a second opinion on your behalf, but only with your consent. If someone requests a second opinion on your behalf, they should have all the information about your illness or condition, and check they understand it thoroughly.
Sometimes a GP or consultant may ask a colleague to provide a second opinion. For example, doctors may ask their colleagues about a complicated case.
Second opinion from a different GP
If you would like a second opinion after receiving advice from your GP, you can ask them to refer you to another GP.
Alternatively, you may consider asking to see a different GP at your surgery, if you’re registered at a surgery with more than one GP, or changing to a different GP surgery. For more information, see choosing a GP.
Second opinion from a different consultant
If you would like a second opinion after seeing a consultant (a senior medical doctor who specialises in a particular field of medicine), you need to go back to your GP and ask them to refer you again. If your GP agrees to refer you to a new consultant, the consultant will be told that this is your second opinion. They will also be sent any relevant test results or X-rays previously carried out.
This does not mean that the new consultant will automatically take over your care. If you want to be treated by the new consultant, this will need to be arranged with the doctors and hospital.
How long will I have to wait for a second opinion?
People who ask for a second opinion have already seen a doctor, so they may have to wait. A second opinion with a different consultant will also usually be at a different hospital, which may involve some travelling.
Getting a second opinion may therefore delay any treatment that you need. If you have a serious medical condition, you should take this into account when deciding to ask for a second opinion. Ask your doctor whether a delay in starting treatment could be harmful.
Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.
Would your GP be able to hold down a job in a shoe shop?
Would you be taking levothyroxine
How to word what I need GP to do
whats will happen if I just stop taking Levo?
