What to Know About Medical Second Opinions

Second Opinion

Source: DrSteele/Adobe

It can be difficult to know which providers to trust and what treatments will be most effective in today's healthcare environment. Getting a second opinion can help you have a more well-rounded treatment plan and save money. Even though additional consultations are beneficial, you may feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the process. Or even still, the more opinions you may get, the more confusing the solution.

A recent study reported that 70 percent of Americans do not feel compelled to get a second opinion. However, getting a second opinion, especially with others of various specialties, can help you to be able to make the most comprehensive decision with your healthcare plan.

Doctors are humans like everyone else. They are fallible. Each specialty has various training, which provides different perspectives. An internal medicine doctor will look at the body differently than a naturopathic doctor and vice versa.

General Principles to Keep in Mind When Seeking a Second Opinion

1. Know when to get a second opinion. It’s often most valuable to consult a second provider when the proposed treatment is risky, the diagnosis is uncertain, or you’re contemplating an experimental approach. It is helpful to be reassured that you are on the right track with your healthcare decision. Naturopathic doctors view the body as a self-healing organism that can and will heal itself if given the right environment. Creating a healthy environment that can allow for healing is up to the patient. Medical doctors are not trained in the health of the body. They are trained in disease management.
2. Encourage open communication. Patient satisfaction depends on the quality of dialogue with your provider and their technical skills. Ensure you can talk openly and honestly. Observe whether each practitioner you visit engages the rest of your care team. Working as a healthcare team where every team member knows their role in the team is key. A naturopathic doctor is expertly trained in biochemistry, diagnostics, nutrition, and other modalities such as mind-body medicine and detoxification services. A skilled naturopathic doctor can work with your other medical providers, know their role and work in concert with medical professionals, especially when pharmaceuticals or surgery are needed.
3. Be an informed patient. The Internet expands your options for reading up on your case. Ask your doctor to recommend resources or check with your local librarian. Not every resource is reputable. Also, many healthcare influencers may be knowledgeable about subjects such as nutrition or detoxification. They may not have the expert training to review lab work and treat based on the patient's needs or the healthcare standards. Many influencers share information based on testimonials and make recommendations on supplements that may be attached to a multi-level marketing company. There are a lot of nuances to holistic healthcare, especially how it relates to traditional medical care.
4. Clarify your priorities. You may prefer different approaches to the same health issues. Listen to your doctor but remain in charge of your own decisions. I often have people in my office who do not want to take pharmaceuticals and are looking for a more natural approach. Depending on the case, it may be possible to remove these medications with the help of their medical doctor. However, the best that can be done in some cases is to lower the dose in medical situations. Sometimes, you may not want to hear what is required, meaning you may not want to track your food, do a certain treatment, or you may not believe what is being said to you based on denial or a lack of understanding. Remember that the reason behind seeking an opinion outside of your own is to glean wisdom and understanding from that provider. Be clear with what is important to you, write down questions, and be prepared for your appointment to get the most out of the session.
5. Learn how doctors work. It may help to know that doctors often ask each other for advice. Medical experts have different specialties and may stage conferences to share their perspectives. Different doctors view the body from different perspectives. A chiropractor is going to view the body differently than a naturopath. A naturopath is going to view the body differently than a medical doctor. Understanding the basis of their training and their perspective on healthcare can also be helpful in the process of seeking a second opinion. Many practices also have different business practices. Some practices take insurance. Others are fee for service. Understanding that healthcare is still a business and how you will pay for a provider is also helpful.
6. Appreciate different philosophies. Beyond issues of competency, providers have their styles. Some are more conservative and traditional. Others are quicker to adopt the latest technology. Others believe in tried and true methods. Some are highly reactive, while others are slow and methodical.
7. Identify any misdiagnosis. Test results are sometimes wrong. Double-checking can spot errors and spare you expensive and potentially harmful treatments.
8. Understand the value of reassurance. Even if multiple doctors tell you the same thing, it’s worth the time and effort to talk with them all. It will boost your confidence.
9. Avoid delays. Urgent action is sometimes required. You may be better off getting prompt care rather than shopping around.

Second Opinion

Source: Steele/Adobe

Practical Steps

1. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Your doctor probably knows a circle of specialists for referrals. Make this your starting point.
2. Check your insurance. Many insurance plans encourage second opinions. See if they will cover the costs. Find out how much you’ll be charged for every office visit.
3. Share your records. If you’re seeing a doctor for the first time, they’ll need your charts, test results, and other paperwork to advise you. Be prepared to sign a consent form to enable sharing this information.
4. Schedule a physical exam. You can get valuable information through the Internet and phone calls. However, you still need to see a doctor for a full check-up.
5. Visit a different institution. Each organization has its own culture. If you want an independent second opinion, try reaching out to another hospital or group practice.
6. Collect additional recommendations. There are many ways to track down other resources for second opinions. Ask family and friends for personal referrals. Call a teaching hospital to get more options.
7. Write down important data. Bring a journal and a pen along to each medical appointment. Writing out questions in advance will help you remember everything you want to cover. Taking notes will create a record of what each specialist has to say so you can reflect on it later.

You’ll probably need to make at least one important medical decision. A medical second opinion may improve your peace of mind and the quality of care you receive.