Getting A Second Opinion of Treatment

Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice these days. 

There are millions of surgical procedures performed in the United

States 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.

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.

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.  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 society or area

medical school.

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.

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.

A good indicator of a surgeon's competence is certification by the

American Board of Medical Specialties.  The letters F.A.C.S. (Fellow

of the American College of Surgeons) after the surgeon's name is

another sign of a surgeon's qualifications.

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 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.