There seems to be a misconception on the part of some patients out there. These patients think if they ask for a second medical opinion, it will offend the doctor they are currently seeing who is managing a particular health condition for them.
Patients seem reluctant to ask for these second medical opinions, when they really need to be getting a second set of eyes to evaluate potential treatment options including surgery.
At a recent meeting with former hospital CEOs, the consensus is that many patients need to feel more comfortable with seeking out second medical opinions. Patients need to be better informed about all their healthcare options.
“I tell my friends they should get a second opinion,” says Ed Howe, former president and CEO of Aurora Health Care. “If your doctor appears offended or in fact says that is the case, you should probably get another doctor,” explains Mike Stephens, former CEO of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Consider it a major red flag.
Getting a second opinion can offer you additional options for treating a medical condition. Maybe the first doctor does not offer this particular treatment option. Maybe it is new or maybe it is offered through a clinical trial that is only offered at a certain hospital, adds Don Ammon, former CEO of Adventist Health System West.
“Most doctors I know are really not offended when their patient seeks a second opinion,” says Howe. “Many patients just think this will automatically be the case, when in fact it is not.”
I agree. In fact, many doctors expect that their patients will get a second opinion and will help their patients do so.
Some doctors may have a conservative approach. Others may be more aggressive. A second opinion may reveal a treatment option that has not been mentioned to you before.
Here are some tips from the American Heart Association about how to get another medical opinion:
- Your doctor may refer you to other doctors or specialists
- Ask friends or relatives who’ve been treated for the same condition who treated them
- Ask for a list of approved doctors from your medical insurance company or your employer’s health plan administrator
- Call your local medical society or check the American Medical Directory
As a patient, think of a second opinion as a safeguard you give yourself. In some cases you may have to pay out of pocket, but isn’t the peace of mind worth it?
Kester Freeman blogs regularly at Action for Better Healthcare.