60 percent of patients changed their course of treatment after receiving a second opinion
People want to believe they can wholeheartedly trust their doctors. These professionals dedicate decades of their lives learning about the human body, its conditions and how to heal it. We want to be sure that we can trust these people because we’re putting our lives in their hands. The truth is, however, that despite their education and prestige, doctors are human and they too can make mistakes.
If it’s important to you, get another opinion!
Doctors can miss things, and getting a second opinion from someone who has had a whole different set of experiences could save your life. A recent study revealed that about 60 percent of patients changed their course of treatment after receiving a second opinion.
Liza Bernstein, who was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, may have not been here today if it wasn’t for the fact that she pursued a second opinion. During her second visit to another doctor, her treatment plan changed after it was discovered that some cancer cells were missed in the first examination.
Her’s is just one example of a second opinion saving a life.
With that being said, 70 percent of Americans trust their doctors without doubt and choose not to pursue another evaluation.
As much as we believe in our healthcare system, a second opinion could be crucial to uncovering hidden health risks and putting a patient on the right path to treatment.
What to do
If you’re worried about cost, check with your insurance company to see if they are willing to cover a second opinion. Most companies will require an additional evaluation before giving the OK on a medical procedure. If the first two opinions don’t match, a third one needs to be pursued. Companies like Medicare will cover the additional cost to be sure that the patient is getting the proper care they need.
Follow these recommendations when dealing with finding the right medical diagnosis:
- Visit an expert who specializes in the issue.
- Take recommendations on which doctor might be the best in the area.
- Use the internet to find professionals who will review your case from home. Second Opinion Expert is a good place to start.
- Request a second interpretation of your pathology reading. These can often be read incorrectly the first time around.
- Gather your medical records, do your research and have a list of questions ready.
- Bring a friend or family member.
A second opinion offers peace of mind, and following up with another doctor may be the key to keeping yourself safe and healthy. Use your resources and find the best health professional who will lead you to the right treatment option for you.
CitizensReport
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