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Second opinion
A second opinion in medicine is a service that allows a patient to see another doctor after they have received an initial diagnosis or treatment. An independent expert evaluates the submitted medical documents and makes his own conclusion. The result of the second opinion may be confirmation or refutation of the primary diagnosis, as well as a revision of the chosen therapeutic tactics. The second opinion helps the patient to avoid possible medical errors, as well as to learn about all the possible treatment options for the disease he has.
Each patient has the right to consult with another doctor about his health condition. A second opinion is not a required condition, but in many cases it turns out to be a source of valuable information. This is due to many reasons. In some cases, a person is offered a long and expensive treatment, but with no guarantee that it will be effective. Seeking further advice may help find other therapies or confirm that this is the only possible course of action.
Sometimes the doctor does not have sufficient experience or technical capabilities to make the correct diagnosis. This mainly concerns doctors working in small towns. Large multidisciplinary clinics can offer innovative therapies that are not yet well known or not readily available to medical institutions located on the periphery.
Getting a second opinion has a positive effect on the psychological state of the patient. When a person is faced with a serious diagnosis, such as cancer, they want to be sure that they have done everything possible for their recovery. An additional consultation can increase confidence in the doctor, which is an important aspect of the fight against the disease. In some cases, a second opinion allows you to find a chance for recovery even after several doctors have said that the treatment is useless. Any person who is in doubt about their diagnosis or treatment plan can contact an independent specialist to get his opinion.
Why do you need a second opinion?
The patient can request the opinion of another doctor:
- If a disease is diagnosed that is potentially fatal, incurable or seriously reduces the quality of life.
- The treatment prescribed by the doctor is associated with a high risk of complications (it can be a complex operation, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.).
- If the doctor cannot say with certainty that the diagnosis he has made is correct. Many diseases have similar symptoms. This can make the diagnosis process difficult, especially if the doctor is not experienced enough. An independent expert can independently make a diagnosis or recommend a list of additional tests that will help narrow down the list of possible diseases.
- In the presence of a rare or unusual disease. Rare or orphan diseases present a challenge to clinicians as few doctors are familiar with their specific symptoms. The treatment of such diseases requires a lot of experience from the doctor.
- If an operation is scheduled. In most cases, surgery is prescribed only after all methods of conservative therapy have been tried. Operations on the brain or spine are associated with a high risk, therefore, before deciding on them, it is advisable to obtain a second opinion from an independent expert.
- If cancer is diagnosed. The field of oncology is actively developing. There are new methods of diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors, which are not known to all doctors. A second opinion in case of cancer will help confirm, refute or clarify the diagnosis, as well as learn about all possible options for anticancer therapy.
- If there are difficulties in communicating with the doctor. A trusting relationship between the doctor and patients is the key to successful treatment. The doctor may be experienced and knowledgeable, but if the dialogue with him does not add up, it is better to seek a second opinion. This will provide an opportunity to receive a complete amount of information about your disease and answers to all your questions.
- If the prescribed treatment is ineffective. Everyone makes mistakes, and doctors are no exception. Sometimes the doctor chooses the wrong therapeutic tactics. If, after the course of therapy, the symptoms do not go away or progress, it is worth asking the opinion of another doctor.
In general, the patient has the right to get a second opinion for any questions that arise regarding the diagnosis or treatment prescribed.
What are the benefits of a second opinion service?
Contacting an independent medical expert enables the patient to:
- Learn more about your health problems.
- Get answers to all your questions.
- Help weigh the risks and benefits of the proposed treatments.
- Get information to help you make the right decision.
Israeli scientists studied research on the effectiveness of a second opinion. They concluded that this option helped change diagnosis in 15% of cases, treatment in 37%, and both in 11%.
How is the procedure carried out
Requesting a second opinion begins with finding an independent specialist. He should have experience in diagnosing and treating the disease identified in the patient. Medical coordinators of MedTour cooperate with doctors of various specialties from the most famous and prestigious medical institutions in Ukraine, Europe, USA, Israel, Turkey and South Korea. They will help you choose the right specialist who will make an expert opinion, taking into account the nature of the disease and the personal needs of the patient.
To get a second opinion, it is not necessary to undergo a second diagnostic examination and meet with a doctor in person. It is enough to provide him with the necessary medical documents. Thanks to the development of communication technologies, this can be done through any messenger or email. The MedTour company guarantees the confidentiality of the transmitted data.
Medical coordinators will help the patient collect all the necessary medical information. The list of documents depends on the specific disease, however, most often it includes:
- extracts from the medical record regarding the treatment of the current disease;
- information about the performed operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other methods of treatment;
- a therapeutic plan drawn up by a doctor (methods of treatment, drugs, doses for reviewing or confirming therapy);
- results of laboratory diagnostics;
- records of imaging results (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET-CT);
- biopsy results (histological glasses);
- a list of medications taken and their dosage;
- a list of questions that I would like to ask the doctor;
- any other medical information that may help in diagnosis or treatment.
The doctor will analyze the received documents and issue his own conclusion. In some cases, he may recommend additional diagnostic tests.
What does the second opinion service include?
- Analysis and assessment of the patient’s health status based on the obtained diagnostic results.
- Verification of the diagnosis made by the attending physician or physicians (third opinion).
- Reviewing the prescribed treatment plan.
- Proposal of optimal therapeutic tactics based on the latest achievements of modern medicine and world standards for the treatment of a particular disease.
- Information about the expert and the medical institution that issued the opinion (if necessary).
- List of medical institutions implementing the treatment plan proposed in the conclusion (at the request of the patient).
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Risks and side effects
The second opinion service is primarily aimed at protecting the interests of the patient. Therefore, the disadvantages associated with it can be called conditional. For example, in order to get a second opinion, some patients have to postpone their planned treatment for some time. However, given how much effort, resources and time will have to be spent on incorrectly prescribed therapy, this minus seems to be quite justified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a third opinion? In which cases?
Sometimes the opinions of two doctors are diametrically opposed. In this case, it is difficult for the patient to make the right choice. The opinion of a third specialist may help to make a decision. A third opinion is also useful if the patient has unresolved issues after consulting a second specialist.
Will my doctor be offended if I seek a second opinion from another specialist?
Not if he is a true professional. A second opinion is standard medical practice. Many doctors consult among themselves to make a final decision. In Western countries, this service is very popular and in demand. Attending physicians are positive about the help of independent experts, realizing that they act in the interests of the patient.
How much does a second opinion cost?
The cost of a second opinion varies depending on the chosen country and the level of the doctor who will give the opinion.
How to get a second opinion?
To get a second opinion, fill out the online form or call one of the phone numbers listed on the site. Medical coordinators of MedTour will contact you shortly. They will listen to your problem, select the right doctor and tell you what package of medical documents will be required.
Published:
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Information on this webpage verified by the medical expert
Medical Doctor, oncologist, PHD student
Do you have any questions?
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Full-time or remote consultation of a doctor in a chosen clinic. Leave your request and the coordinating doctor will contact you, who will agree on the date and time, the format of the appointment, and will also issue an invoice for making an online payment.
