Just 3 percent of patients always seek a second opinion.
I think that’s a mistake. There are enough gray areas in medicine where studies give conflicting guidance, that another physician opinion is warranted in many cases.
Patients often “worry that their primary physician will be less than cordial in future visits,” but I can tell you that nothing’s further from the truth. I encourage all my patients who are unclear or uncomfortable about the management course to obtain another opinion. I’m always interested in how another doctor can approach the same clinical situation.
Elective surgery and diagnoses of cancer are two instances where second opinions would come in handy.
The article also cites the online consultation, where patient records are e-mailed to and reviewed by doctors at a tertiary academic center. It’s a convenient way to get another pair of eyes to look at the situation, and can grow in use as physician access is declining.
topics: second opinion, diagnosis
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{ 6 comments }
Second opinions are very much underutilized–by both doctors and patients. They perform a great service for both. Not just to evaluate the advisability of a proposed procedure, but in any case where the treatment is not progressing as hoped. For some chronic conditions, not only a second opinion, but sequential consultations every year or so are advisable.
The consultant need not be some super-expert with different or additional training. The value lies far more in having a second pair of eyes look at the case with a fresh perspective. In certain situations, it is not expertise that is called for as much as fresh objectivity. This would certainly apply where the question is one regarding the appropriateness of controlled substances or the doctor-patient relationship.
I think anybody with a blood cancer, particularly one of the less common types should seek a second pathology.
Many of these treatments burn bridges to other treatments. You want to get your best shot the first time out.
I had a very bad reaction from a doctor when I asked for a 2nd opinion regarding a proposed surgery. I think it depends on the doctor…
Then he wouldn’t be cutting on this doctor.
I write about cancer in young adults. I always stress that patients not only seek a second opinion upon diagnosis, but at any point throughout their treatment and follow-up care.
I would have had three extra surgeries by now had I not done so myself. My doctor is among the top in the country in his field, but as another comment noted, it is a matter of having an additional perspective, another set of eyes.
I’d run from any doctor who looks down upon you for getting another opinion. No matter how arrogant my doctors were, they always were curious what another doctor thought about my case.
When I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, the initial docs gave me no hope. One surgeon even shot me a dirty look. Iknew I would never set foot in his office ever again.
I was thankful that I have high self-esteem. I did a lot of research and found a place that was right for me. I am now in my fourth year of being disease free.
But truly, I think one of the reasons the statistics are so low is, how many people seek a second opinion when they have sprained their ankle? Stage IV cancer, I would hope that one would seek as many opinions as possible.
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