Why You Should Consider Second Opinion

We have all heard that story from a friend or a relative where they consulted a doctor for an ailment and were advised to undergo a complicated surgery or an expensive procedure, and how they were able to avoid it by just consulting another, seemingly wiser doctor.

Though every case is unique, a 2017 study showed that 21% of patients who sought a Mayo Clinic second opinion received a completely new diagnosis and 66% were partially correct.

A second opinion, whether it is about getting a car, a new house, or a complicated surgery, is not a new thing. However, medical second opinion has experienced a massive rise in recent years. According to predictions, the global second opinion market is poised to climb from US$ 3,204.57 million in 2019 to US$ 10,739.48 million by 2027.

Let’s take a more detailed look at it.

What is Second Opinion?

As the name suggests, a second opinion is a complete evaluation of initial diagnosis and reports by another medical professional with a similar or better level of skill and knowledge for a refined diagnosis of the case. The second opinion is not only about diagnoses, but it can also help find simpler, better, or less expensive solutions for the same diagnosis. It can find errors in diagnosis if any and lower healthcare costs. If the medical second opinion is the same as the initial diagnosis, it can increase your confidence to go ahead with the first diagnosis.

When to get Second Opinion?

Second opinions are not necessarily meant for complex ailments, surgery, or major health procedures only. They can be an effective tool in understanding preventive health check-up reports or to receive advice for diet, weight loss, nutrition, yoga, and wellness. A second opinion doctor can provide additional expertise on your case rather than an alternate treatment.

When the diagnosis is a complicated surgery or a life-changing treatment, cancer, or any major illness, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis and get a second opinion from a trustworthy and knowledgeable doctor. It is important to check for doctor’s review, references, and qualifications before consulting. Internet is a good place to check reviews and ensure your decision.

Why get a second opinion?

A study by Harvard University in 2016 demonstrated that nearly 5,200,000 deaths occur in India annually due to medical errors triggered by a lack of practical knowledge among doctors and nurses. Misdiagnoses or incorrect diagnoses account for a major chunk of these numbers.

The Charter of Patient Rights adopted by the Health Ministry of India allows patients to seek a medical second opinion.

You should consider getting a second opinion if

• You are not convinced or satisfied with the first diagnosis
• The first diagnosis is unclear or a complicated or expensive surgery
• There are other treatments or medical tests that vary widely in cost

Doctors usually cannot find quality time to explain the diagnosis and treatment to the patient due to their busy schedules. A dedicated second opinion doctor can help provide more clarity about your condition.

How to get a second opinion?

I was amazed to see the advancement in technology when my grandmother recently had a virtual doctor’s appointment. Getting a second opinion from geographically diverse doctors is remarkably easy these days. Patients always have the option to meet a healthcare provider in person when it is feasible. But in the case of the second opinion, the virtual option is lucrative as well.

Not just pets and kids, but even grown-ups hate doctor visits at times. Telehealth and Telemedicine are good options for such patients. They can get consultations from the comfort of their homes. With everything virtual and online, it would be a surprise if second opinions aren’t. With hospital bed shortages, many people chose to get treated from home for Covid-19 and it turned out to be beneficial for them.

Organisations such as Just for Hearts, under the guidance of Dr. Ravindra L. Kulkarni, offer virtual second opinions. With 20 years of clinical practice as a Cardiologist, he and his team have successfully conducted more than 1,00,000 Tele-consultations and more than 10,000 Covid-19 home consultations. Their services are convenient. They have a skilled team of doctors and they consult every patient personally.

People from villages sometimes spend thousands visiting doctors in cities. Virtual consultations are a good option for people living in remote areas and limited means. It is convenient, less time-consuming and all you need is a smartphone and an internet connection.

What to ask?

We all have googled or randomly searched the internet for our symptoms and found out about a serious life-threatening condition! When it comes to disease and illness, remember, doctors know the best. It is always better to talk to an expert when it comes to your health rather than getting half-baked knowledge from the internet.

The following questions offer a good place to start the second opinion doctor:

• Is the diagnosis correct?
• What are my choices and the pros and cons of each?
• What would happen if I waited or chose no treatment?

To sum up, when it comes to second opinion, don’t have second thoughts!