Getting A Second Opinion
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. .
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Health
for Every Body
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