When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

If you have a significant medical condition or injury and your healthcare provider is recommending a major surgery or treatment plan, you should know all your options. This is where a second opinion can help determine the best course of treatment. 

Medical professionals say anytime a patient is confronted with a life-changing or life-threatening diagnosis they should seek a second opinion. Dr. Peter Rasmussen, a cerebrovascular surgeon and chief clinical officer for Virtual Second Opinions by Cleveland Clinic adds this includes things like “concern about a cardiac valve, or a significant neurological disease or a cancer diagnosis.”   

A second opinion may also be in order when a current treatment plan is not working or you are having bad side effects from the prescribed medications. If a surgical procedure has potentially debilitating complications or you are faced with several options or disagree altogether with your doctor, get a second opinion. Other cases where a second or third opinion is warranted include symptoms caused by a variety of things such as persistent headaches or you do not feel like you and the doctor are communicating well. 

Going to a new specialist may provide insight into new treatments and/or access to experimental options. If you have a rare type of cancer or medical condition, finding a doctor that specializes in treating or performing these types of surgeries may result in a better outcome. Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society states there are basically two reasons for a second opinion: “One is really the level of comfort, trust and rapport a patient and caregiver have.” He adds the other is to ask how unique or complex your case is.

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Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/when-to-get-a-second-opinion?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20May%2008%2007:48:38%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health