Making decisions about significant medical
procedures or diagnosing an illness is not always a clear-cut endeavor. With complicated
medical concerns, a second opinion is often sought by patients. Getting
additional medical input, however, can be difficult. Thus, physicians either love
or hate this extra input.
A study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety reported that as many as 12 million adults, or 1 in 20 patients, that seek hospital treatment within the U.S. are misdiagnosed. Half of these cases involved misdiagnosis that could lead to severe injury. A second opinion could avert some of those cases.
Some doctors are hesitant to have their diagnoses questioned. Others are more open to their patients finding out as much information as they need.
Kathy Miller, a physician and teacher of medicine in The Indiana University of Medicine, told Medscape that she feels it's a patient’s right to obtain a second opinion and if your physician tells someone there is no need for an additional view, it is time to acquire a different doctor.
There are, in fact, several situations where a doctor could be the one who solicits a second opinion. If a physician is uncertain of a diagnosis, when distinguishing between Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia for instance, acquiring another viewpoint from another physician can be extremely helpful.
Dr. Frank Veith wrote in an article in Vascular Specialist that the existing system of soliciting second opinions and referrals is flawed. In many cases, referrals are derived from known associates, proximity, and sometimes even financial interests. Possibly picking out a physician from a list of “top doctors”, is not foolproof either as many of these lists are compiled from paying a fee or from flawed data.
A second opinion is most beneficial when done by a reliable and trusted specialist who is able to clearly represent the patient’s needs. But getting that specialist is complex. It takes time for a physician to find and vet specialists. Additionally, referrals are discouraged by many insurance policies unless they are done by an in-network physician. Additionally, under the Affordable Care Act, no insurer is required to pay for second opinions.
The policy of Medicare is that a second opinion is justified when the treatment is not an urgent situation and the patient can decide when and if to have the surgery. If the second opinion differs from the first, Medicare recommends further discussing the condition with the first doctor. In some cases, finding a third opinion is allowed. Medicare will cover the costs of these opinions, nevertheless this option is clearly not available to everyone.
For more information regarding the issues surrounding finding a second opinion, contact us!
A study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety reported that as many as 12 million adults, or 1 in 20 patients, that seek hospital treatment within the U.S. are misdiagnosed. Half of these cases involved misdiagnosis that could lead to severe injury. A second opinion could avert some of those cases.
Some doctors are hesitant to have their diagnoses questioned. Others are more open to their patients finding out as much information as they need.
Kathy Miller, a physician and teacher of medicine in The Indiana University of Medicine, told Medscape that she feels it's a patient’s right to obtain a second opinion and if your physician tells someone there is no need for an additional view, it is time to acquire a different doctor.
There are, in fact, several situations where a doctor could be the one who solicits a second opinion. If a physician is uncertain of a diagnosis, when distinguishing between Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia for instance, acquiring another viewpoint from another physician can be extremely helpful.
Dr. Frank Veith wrote in an article in Vascular Specialist that the existing system of soliciting second opinions and referrals is flawed. In many cases, referrals are derived from known associates, proximity, and sometimes even financial interests. Possibly picking out a physician from a list of “top doctors”, is not foolproof either as many of these lists are compiled from paying a fee or from flawed data.
A second opinion is most beneficial when done by a reliable and trusted specialist who is able to clearly represent the patient’s needs. But getting that specialist is complex. It takes time for a physician to find and vet specialists. Additionally, referrals are discouraged by many insurance policies unless they are done by an in-network physician. Additionally, under the Affordable Care Act, no insurer is required to pay for second opinions.
The policy of Medicare is that a second opinion is justified when the treatment is not an urgent situation and the patient can decide when and if to have the surgery. If the second opinion differs from the first, Medicare recommends further discussing the condition with the first doctor. In some cases, finding a third opinion is allowed. Medicare will cover the costs of these opinions, nevertheless this option is clearly not available to everyone.
For more information regarding the issues surrounding finding a second opinion, contact us!
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