Why a Second Opinion Matters
I tell everyone always get a second and even a third opinion. There are generally different approaches to the same illness, some more radical or some more simple. It is good to get a different perspective. Contrary to common believe, your doctor won't hold it against you for getting a second opinion nor do doctors stick together and always agree. Most insurance companies pay for second opinions. In many situations, the doctor only needs the paperwork, radiological studies and/or lab results to give an opinion. Even in a hospital setting, a second opinion can be obtained.
I was reminded of the importance of second opinions by a recent situation with a colleague of my husband. Sara, the mother of four, recently adopted her three nephews, ages 13,15,16 after her brother died of cancer. The mother was out of the picture due to drug addiction. The pediatrician in California had diagnosed all of them several years ago with cystic fibrosis. This disease although genetic is rare to occur in all children in a family. This is a disease with a life expectancy of 35 years if it is mild. Many children, die young. The daily treatment includes extensive nebulizer treatments and other oral medications. Children are often sick. Surprisingly, none of the boys had symptoms. Apparently, the boys asked the doctor about the illness on one visit and his response(I wish I was joking) was "Life sucks and then you die". After their father died, Sara brought them to Massachusetts and couldn't understand the lack of symptoms. She took them to a specialist in Boston and was told, the boys do not have cystic fibrosis. The doctors couldn't understand how they had even arrived at the diagnosis. Needless, to say, a second opinion is vital and it is your right as a consumer. This story unfortunately although extreme is not unusual. If it is hard for you to figure out how to get the opinion, call a health advocate for help.
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 7/13/2009 11:23 AM 
Categories: medical, insurance health advocate, doctor second opinion
Tags: medical doctors second opinion health advocate insurance pediatrician
Categories: medical, insurance health advocate, doctor second opinion
Tags: medical doctors second opinion health advocate insurance pediatrician
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