It is quite common among people, afflicted with various ailments, to seek a second opinion on their illness and possible remedies. As it is, physicians also do the same thing when they fall prey to some ailments. However, at times, such actions can evoke unexpected and odd reactions from doctors treating the patients initially. Some patients also feel somewhat reluctant about this. Needless to say, seeking second medical opinion can be beneficial and in a number of instances doing so can prove to be life saving for people.
When People opt for Second Medical Opinions
While people can seek a second opinion on many ailments and disorders, studies have shown that patients afflicted with specific ailments tend to do so more than others. Invasive and serious conditions like cancer surgery and biopsy prompt many people to seek second medical view. The discrepancy rate between medical experts can vary but mostly the changes do not reflect drastic treatment cost change. About 30 percent of patients who seek second medical view voluntarily find the second expert disagreeing with the first one. In 18 percent of people who do so after being prompted by insurers, face the same scenario.
Lack of Data on Factors Prompting Second Opinion Seeking
As a matter of fact, there is not enough data available on factors that prompt a person to seek second medical opinion. Not much is known, what are the obstacles that the face and how they override those barriers. It is true health insurance entities may require such moves by applicants but they refuse compensating customers in some instances. It does not seem likely that patients would seek opinion of another doctor to cut treatment or surgery cost, especially when the web is available to look for information and resources.
What happens when Doctors get Ill and seek Second Opinion?
At times, doctors can become afflicted with various ailments and seek treatment. They can look at both sides of the coin then. They were often barred by professional etiquette to seek second opinions. However, some physicians shake off the hesitation and go for second or third opinion. Ironically, earlier they were not approving of their patients doing the same. Some doctors are of the view they do not seek second opinion but want to see if some colleagues agree with their views or not. When they were doctors they thought more about respecting authority and those patients should simply choose a doctor and abide by his guidelines. However, that perception took a beating when they became patients themselves. However, doctors are less likely to seek second view of a colleague especially if the ailment is not life threatening.
Choosing a different Suggestion can be Tedious
While seeking medical alternative opinion is not that hard, choosing between various opinions is tedious for doctors. At times, ego can act against accepting different opinions. Doctors who have been in the sector for long time may feel that their expertise is enough not to seek other opinions. Some doctors feel they should not look for second opinion but their fronds and colleagues can do so.
Need for Extensive Research on the Topic
When patients find that insurers will not cover expenses incurred by second medical opinion, they usually leave it out. This can prove to be unfortunate for patients as they may be barred from getting more apt and better treatment and care. That is why more research needs to be carried out on this area. It is important that health insures and doctors become more aware about this issue and review their respective stances on importance of seeking second opinions.
Evans is a blogger and he is currently associated with ThePrimeNetwork that offersIndependent Medical Evaluations in PA NJ DE MD DC.
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