Getting A Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice
these days. There are millions of surgical procedures performed in the UK
every year and the majority of these operations are necessary for the
health and well being of the patient. But, according to recent studies, a
percentage of surgeries may be unnecessary.
Seeking a second opinion
Many people are now seeking second opinions, especially
when it comes to elective surgery procedures. Also some insurance
companies are encouraging second opinions for surgical procedures and more
people than ever are beginning to take an active role in their health care
options.
Based on all of the surgeries performed, one can
conclude that overall we have a good system. However, we still hear of
horror stories and botched operations from time to time, both in this
country and around the world.
The latest techniques
A second medical opinion can save you time and money,
and it is possible that the condition in question can be treated by means
other than surgery. Your doctor's approach to treating your condition is
influenced by his training, experience, and exposure to new techniques.
Most surgeons welcome a second opinion
Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice,
and you will find that most physicians welcome second and even third
opinions. You can be candid and open with your physician about this as you
tell him your feelings and how much more comfortable you'd feel getting
another doctor's opinion.
If you decide to get a second medical opinion on a
surgical procedure, you may wish to ask your doctor to refer a colleague
or specialist. If you'd rather seek out another doctor yourself, you can
take the matter up with your local medical centre or area hospital.
Make them aware about what has already been done
When you go to a second doctor, tell him or her the
name of the recommended surgical procedure and do over the various tests
you have already had. This can save you the unnecessary expense of running
duplicate medical tests. If the second doctor agrees that the surgery is
necessary, he or she will usually send you back to the first doctor.
Check out his or her Qualifications
If you make the decision to have the recommended
surgery, there are a number of questions you may like to have answered
such as from what medical school did the surgeon graduate, and in what
specialty did the surgeon complete an accredited residency program. You
might also want to inquire as to how many operations like yours the
particular surgeon has performed and how many of those patients have
required additional surgery.
What are your options
Once you are comfortable with your choice of a surgeon,
find out what your options are. Ask about possible risks, complications
and side effects, and the length of the recovery period. Talk to others
who have had the same procedure. Also, don't forget (If your not national
health), to check with your insurance company to learn if the surgical
procedure is covered under your policy, and if so, whether it is covered
as in-patient or out-patient surgery.
Remember, you deserve to be informed of all your health
care options, especially when it involves a surgical procedure.
For your convenience, we have
prepared a list of search terms used in order of popularity, to find
more pages on this subject:
Searches completed in December 2004
Count Search Term
1063 second opinion
301 second medical opinion
271 second opinion medical services
36 autopsy opinion second
34 opinion second stock
33 newsletter opinion second
29 opinion second weekly
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