Signs You Need A Second Opinion
Dr. Meredith Warner here –
Everyone makes mistakes, and doctors are no exception to this rule. Physicians aren’t perfect, and they can sometimes make mistakes in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. When you get a second opinion, you may learn about an alternative treatment plan, and if the second physician has the same diagnosis and treatment plan, you’ll be assured that course of treatment is best for you. Sometimes, different methods to achieve the same goal are available and other factors might help with your decision. Ultimately, it’s for the best to remain informed about your healthcare, to make sure you know what your options are and how a treatment will affect you mentally, physically, emotionally, and otherwise.
Be sure to trust your instincts – if your doctor is recommending a treatment that you are unsure of, and/or wasn’t able to explain to you why they recommended it in a way that you fully understood the pros and cons, it may be time to seek out a second opinion. There are some other factors you should consider that may prompt you to seek a second opinion as well. Keep reading to find out what they are, and click below to make your second opinion appointment today!
Signs You Need A Second Opinion:
- You are considering surgery. I strongly encourage my prospective surgical patients to seek out a second opinion. I want to be sure that they are comfortable with the procedure, recovery timeline, and more before they get to the operating room. When my patients seek out a second opinion, this also helps me be assured that together we chose the right course of action for treatment of their condition. And this helps manage your own expectations as well. Surgery can be expensive and difficult to recover from, some requiring months of physical therapy and prescription medications. It’s a long-term commitment, and should be treated as such.
- You’ve already had surgery. Sometimes, your recovery time may be taking too long. You may still be experiencing negative symptoms from your condition. This can be frustrating if your surgeon didn’t fully address your expectations from the outset – surgery may not always be a cure-all; it may lessen the effects of your condition but not completely take them away. However, there may be a way to give you a better outcome from your treatment. I perform “revision” surgeries often (essentially, redoing surgeries and/or removing restrictive scar tissue from mismanaged recovery treatments.)
- Sometimes, a second opinion after surgery can also simply put your mind at ease. We all have relatives that say only negative things; maybe seeking a second opinion who assures you that your recovery is normal is what it takes to calm that relative down. Or, you might simply be very anxious about how your recovery is going and you want reassurance that all is well.
- Testing results were inconclusive. Imaging scans, biopsies, and other methods of diagnosis aren’t always perfect – and aren’t always interpreted in the same way. If your doctor seems uncertain about your diagnosis, it’s time to seek a second opinion. Always be sure to tell your current physician that you’re seeking a second opinion, so their office can share test results with the next doctor you visit. Most physicians will not mind this and will be helpful.
- You feel anxious about your treatment plan. It’s normal to be nervous about a procedure, especially if it’s particularly invasive or would require a lot of time to recover. For your own peace of mind, you should seek out a second opinion to make sure you’re making the right choice. If you can get confirmation from a second doctor that your primary physician made the correct recommendation, you can move forward in your treatment with confidence and will be ready to face your recovery with determination.
Visit Our Clinic For Your Second Opinion – And Peace Of Mind
Ultimately, you should be able to leave every doctor appointment feeling like your concerns were heard, understood, and addressed. You should be able to feel that you are getting the best advice possible, and that your doctor considered every option for diagnosis and treatment before deciding on one course of action. Even though doctors have a medical degree, they may not always be right – and something as simple as a personality clash may make you feel uncomfortable. Positivity is important for recovery and it is good to feel comfortable with your physician.
At Warner Orthopedics & Wellness, we believe in a patient-led approach to medicine. Our practice is centered on you – what you’re worried about, what you’ve tried, and what you want your outcome to look like.
If you aren’t fully comfortable with the options your doctor has presented you, make an appointment today so we can work on a treatment plan that works for you – together. Alternatively, if we have offered a recommendation and you wish to ask another’s opinion, we can help with that!
