When should you seek a second
opinion?
With the increase in medical knowledge
and new treatments available, it is
important to consider your options. A
second opinion should be considered
prior to surgery, if you are not
receiving an accurate diagnosis, having
difficulty talking with your care
provider, or not improving with your
current treatment.
Getting a good second opinion
In the field of spine and joint
medicine, Preventive Medicine, PC
provides a good second opinion for many
of its patients. In some cases patients
will bring past medical records, test
results, and diagnoses. In other cases
the patient may bring only imaging
records. This “blind” second opinion is
helpful in establishing a new baseline,
comparison, and/or setting a new
treatment course.
Questions to ask at your visit
-
Is there a chance the medical
problem could have a new diagnosis?
-
What are the alternate forms of
treatment?
-
How is the treatment plan expected
to improve your health or quality of
life?
-
How long would the recovery be?
-
Why do opinions differ from one
doctor to another?
Points to remember about your second
opinion
-
Second opinions are your right
-
See an expert doctor
-
Your second opinion should include
more knowledge and understanding of
your condition and treatment course
-
Most doctors get second opinions for
patients with serious medical
problems
Getting started with your second
opinion
Some patients are concerned about
hurting their doctor’s feelings. A
doctor should not be offended by a
second opinion. We encourage you to
contact our office to schedule your
appointment. It’s your body, your
condition, you deserve the best.