July 30, 2015 in Second Opinion • By Miles Varn
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious, complex, or rare medical condition or your physician has told you that you need surgery, the next step you take should be to seek a second opinion. What difference can a second opinion make? A very significant one in many cases.
Reason #1: To protect yourself against misdiagnosis
There are a number of reasons you might consider seeking a second opinion. Perhaps you’re not comfortable with the doctor’s level of experience treating your problem. Maybe you don’t feel that your physician is listening to your questions and concerns or providing enough information for you to make an informed decision.
One of the most important reasons to seek a medical second opinion is to protect yourself from misdiagnosis. Researchers have found that the rates of misdiagnosis and mistreatment are higher than you might suspect. A study published in the healthcare journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that approximately 12 million adults are misdiagnosed every year in the U.S. Half of those misdiagnoses had the potential to cause serious harm to the patient.
A study of objective data we’ve collected from more than 1,000 of our own members over a three-year period also highlights the value of medical second opinions. Almost 77 percent of the second opinions we helped members obtain after an initial diagnosis resulted in a change of diagnosis, treatment, and/or treating physician. Of those 1,000 members, 32 had a change of diagnosis, 209 changed treatment plans, and 18 people whose physicians had recommended surgery turned out not to need surgery.
Reason #2: Your diagnosis is not definitive
Diagnosis is a complicated process. Many diseases share symptoms, which can make it very difficult for a physician to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. For example, in the early stages, it can be difficult to determine whether someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia for which the potential medications may be very different. Another condition that can be difficult to diagnose is multiple sclerosis. It shares symptoms with a range of diseases, from B-12 deficiency to Lyme disease and myasthenia gravis.
Here’s another complex situation where a second opinion changed the diagnosis and achieved a better outcome. The mother-in-law of one of our members had been living with mild Parkinson’s disease for a number of years when she began to stumble, slur her words, and lose her memory. Her physician told the family it was a worsening of the Parkinson’s disease and there was nothing they could do to help. However, when we arranged a second opinion with a neurologist and an MRI, they discovered that, in fact, excess fluid on her brain was causing the symptoms. After the fluid was removed, the symptoms disappeared.
Reason #3: There’s more than one “right” treatment
For many conditions, there are several appropriate treatment options that are supported by the clinical literature. For certain patients, the treatment options for prostate cancer can include active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. Breast cancer patients may have a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy. People with chronic back pain may have a choice of physical therapy, lifestyle modifications like losing weight, and medication to reduce pain or surgery. A second opinion can help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for your particular situation.
It’s important to make sure that any second (or third) opinion you seek is from a physician who has broad experience and expertise treating the condition that you’ve been diagnosed with. A personal health advisor can connect you with top specialists or arrange a virtual consultation to help you make your treatment decision.
If you do get a second opinion and find out you do have a serious condition or disease, contact us today and we can help you navigate your individual healthcare challenges.
Topics: Back Pain, Cancer, Medical Errors
FAQs
Getting a Second Opinion
Your health plan should cover a second opinion: When your problem or the cause (or diagnosis) is not clear. When you have doubts about surgery. When you have doubts about a treatment for a serious health problem.
Why should you get a second opinion from a doctor? ›
Getting a Second Opinion
Your health plan should cover a second opinion: When your problem or the cause (or diagnosis) is not clear. When you have doubts about surgery. When you have doubts about a treatment for a serious health problem.
Under what circ*mstances should a patient obtain a second opinion? ›
So don't hesitate to make your wishes known. Some specific reasons for considering a second opinion include: You disagree, don't understand or are uncomfortable with your doctor's diagnosis or treatment approach. You have a serious or rare condition and want an expert or team of experts who specialize in that condition.
Why could it be beneficial to get a second opinion after receiving a serious diagnosis? ›
Get alternative options
A second opinion can let you know about options for your treatment that your doctor either doesn't know about or have experience with.
What are two benefits of getting a second opinion? ›
However, by getting a second look at your condition, you're helping to keep yourself informed to make the best decision for your health that you can. A second opinion also allows you and your original doctor to speak more freely, as they only want the best outcome for you as well.
What is the value of a second opinion? ›
Receiving a diagnosis of a complex or unusual medical condition can be disheartening. In most cases, it is an unnerving experience filled with questions and uncertainty. A second opinion can help you make more informed, confident decisions as you explore all the treatment options available.
What are the 3 A's of physician success? ›
The three A's of physician success are availability, affability and ability. In this order. It speaks to what patients see as the most important attribute of a physician.
What is the golden rule for doctors? ›
The medical researcher may find such a credo in Dogliotti's simple but prudent advice to young physicians: “Follow the way of wisdom, and do unto others as you would do unto yourselves, heeding the voice of science, love and compassion.”
What are 3 benefits of regularly seeing a doctor? ›
Your PCP Detects Issues Early and Keeps You Healthy
At your annual wellness examination, your primary care provider will perform a thorough head to toe assessment, you will receive any vaccine updates you may need, and you will have the opportunity discuss any health problems you may be having with your PCP.
Are doctors offended by second opinions? ›
Getting a second opinion is standard, and experienced doctors know and expect it. This doesn't mean that every doctor will be kind when you request a second medical opinion. A few may get offended, but it may be best to take your business elsewhere if this happens.
Chances are good that the second opinion will be similar to that of your first doctor. If that is the case, you can feel more confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan. However, the second doctor may have different ideas about your diagnosis or treatment. If that happens, Do not worry -- you still have choices.
Why is it important to seek a second opinion from a different doctor quizlet? ›
Getting a second opinion from another health care provider for any major health concern can help ensure that you are getting the best medical care possible.
What are the benefits of accurate diagnosis? ›
The Importance of Accuracy in Diagnostic Testing
Accurate diagnostic testing is vital for healthcare professionals to treat their patients appropriately. False-negative results can lead to delayed treatment, while false-positive results may cause unnecessary stress and additional testing.
Is it okay to get a second opinion from a doctor in the same practice? ›
It's less likely that physicians in the same practice will contradict a colleague's diagnosis or treatment recommendation and more likely that they share the same approach to treating your condition, so seek your consultation from an unrelated physician. The first doctor's recommendation may affect the second's.
Do doctors mind if you get a second opinion? ›
The good news is that most doctors welcome patients getting second opinions because they know that health consumers should thoroughly research their options before settling on a doctor and a treatment plan.
What happens after a second opinion from a doctor? ›
What happens after I get a second opinion? What happens after you have two opinions depends on whether the advice is the same or not. If there is disagreement, try to understand the reasons for the difference of opinion. Specifically go through the arguments for and against each approach.
Do you tell a doctor you are there for a second opinion? ›
After all, you're meeting with a provider who doesn't know you, your medical history, or your current diagnosis. Make sure you tell their office that you're coming in for a second opinion and ask what medical records you should deliver to them in advance.
