Second Medical Opinions
Are second medical opinions Important? You bet your life.
Dear Reader;
During my years as a trial attorney handling medical negligence cases in Wyoming, I have learned many things that can prevent medical injury and error. I wish to share my knowledge to prevent injury, because no one should ever have to go through the ordeal of suing their doctor or medical provider.
No amount of money can ever make up for the injury and death that can be caused by medical negligence. The legal system provides for substantial amounts of money in order to prevent future injury. This is the wisdom of our founding fathers, which has made America a country founded on personal responsibility.
The misunderstanding about second medical opinions
Many people (after the fact) jump to the conclusion that every person would automatically obtain a second medical opinion when faced with serious medical decisions. Yet in reality, very few people and certainly a very small minority actually obtain a second opinion.
Most people are happy when the doctor tells them that they are in good health. It is the rare man that will go for a second medical opinion when the doctor tells him that his prostate is fine. I have yet to see a woman question her doctor when he tells her that she has a clean bill of health after her breast examination and mammogram.
"It will never happen to me"
Psychologists tell us that most of us have a condition called "defensive attribution." This means that we protect ourselves by believing that it "will never happen to me." To believe otherwise would make living too painful.
We are comforted to think that we would be the ones that would seek a second opinion. Otherwise we would be forced to recognize how vulnerable we and our families are to medical errors - the most common cause of death and injury in America.
The vast majority of people have the wrong idea about second medical opinions. If far more people had second opinions there would be far less death and injury from medical negligence.
Most people are afraid to check up on their doctor.
It's true. But a second opinion is not checking up on your doctor. A second medical opinion simply means consulting another doctor for a diagnosis and/or treatment recommendation. Many medical decisions come down to a matter of judgment. Another doctor looking at the same situation may bring a new perspective.
If the second doctor agrees with the original doctor's diagnosis, this is not a waste of time. Verification of your doctor's opinions is important. Whenever you accept your doctor's opinion, you are in a sense betting your life that he or she is right. Your doctor's evaluation affects all treatment decisions to be made in the future.
So having two separate medical opinions can only help to give you the assurance that you are proceeding correctly. If you have two opinions that agree, this is the best possible situation.
Two medical heads are better than one!
Often, people are concerned that by seeking second medical opinions they will offend their doctor. If your doctor is offended that you would treat your medical care with such importance that you would seek a second opinion, then you probably need a new doctor.
The doctor that is offended because you are seeking a second opinion probably does not have good judgment in the first place. No good doctor should be offended by a patient interested in her or his own welfare.
Good doctors know that they can make mistakes and are more interested in the welfare of their patients than in their own egos. A responsible doctor appreciates the wisdom that can be gathered in medical collaboration. Good doctors welcome the opportunity that second opinions offer to assure quality medical care.
It is especially important to have two opinions when the conclusion is not obvious and your doctor has already been considering different possibilities. Difficult cases require more than one medical opinion.
You need a second opinion when:
- The diagnosis is unclear.
- The diagnosis is serious.
- Your doctor suggests surgery.
- The course of treatment is unclear.
- Your current treatment is not causing good results.
- You want to know how your treatment is working.
- Something has happened to cause you to doubt your physician.
Does insurance pay for second medical opinions?
You should check with your insurance company in advance to see how it will handle second opinions. Many insurance companies will pay for a second opinion. Some insurance companies will reimburse you for surgery if you do not have a second opinion.
Regardless of what your insurance company does, it is still a good idea to have a second opinion for anything serious. There is nothing more important than your health.
Helping to make Wyoming a safer and better place to live,
Fred Harrison
Trial Attorney
Read more about how second medical opinions prevent medical errors.
