Thread by @docbhooshan

#thread #secondopinion

I am all for getting a second opinion.
It is extremely useful in - serious diagnosis, serious and expensive treatments, need of irreversible treatment like removal of parts/organs.

Some suggestions to make your spend on second opinion productive -

1. Get a written diagnosis and treatment plan from your first doctor and tell them clearly that you are going to get second opinion. Clearly state your reason. No good doctor will be offended by this line of action.

2. Choosing second opinion doctor - ask friends, relatives or trusted family physician. Past experience of others is usually a reliable indicator.
Important - web pages, media presence, ratings and awards are negative indicators.
Almost ALL awards are available for sale.

3. Aggregator websites look convenient but they propagate fraud by offering paid rankings to doctors and take cut from fees. They are also known to sell only those doctors who pay higher advertising fees.

4. Make sure that your second opinion doctor has equal qualifications to first doctor. Do not hesitate to check registration on medical council website. E.g - maharashtramedicalcouncil.in/frmRmpList.aspx

My info on MMC website looks like this -

5. While booking appointment for second opinion doctor - tell the purpose of appointment and ask if different charges / time slot apply for second opinion.

Second opinion consults take more time so some doctors may charge more. Be ready to pay that.

6. Transparency is the key here. Give all information and test reports to get best of second opinion consultation.
State your purpose of second opinion and concerns clearly. Good doctors will not belittle them.

7. If second opinion doctor suggests same plan as first one, do consider going back to them for completion of treatment. Trust is bedrock of doctor patient relationship and patients vote with their feet and wallet.

Swanky consulting rooms have no connection with clinical skills

8. Special case of doctor from abroad - you may have friend / relative doctor from abroad who has offered second opinion.
In such case get your treating doctor to discuss with them on phone/email etc. PAY for both doctors' time.

9. Remember doctor who has physically examined the patient and is in charge of actual treatment should have last word not the tele- consult doctor.

10. Many patients ask comments about previous treatments / opinions. Good ethical doctors will walk out of such demands skilfully or abruptly. Nobody likes to badmouth a fello professional even if they don't know each other personally.

get second opinion when necessary but think many times before considering 3/4/5 opinions as you are more likely acting out of anxiety and any number of opinions are unlikely to help.

please unroll @threadreaderapp