Should You Get a Second Medical Opinion? A Surgeon Explains Why Doing so Can Make You a More Confident Patient
Second opinions can overturn a diagnosis or surgery plan, with studies showing major treatment changes in up to 42% of cancer cases.
- Seeking a second opinion is a patient's right and widely accepted in medical practice today, helping patients navigate their care with greater confidence.
- Following Nazi atrocities during World War II, the Nuremberg Code and Belmont Report established protections for human research subjects, reshaping medical ethics and patient autonomy in the mid-20th century.
- When patients seek a second opinion regarding a cancer diagnosis, they make major treatment changes in up to 42% of cases; for common issues, one study found 70% of patients receive advice they find helpful.
- Today, most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for second opinions regarding surgical care or serious illness, though patients should verify their specific plan benefits before proceeding.
- Pin down the time frame for a second opinion by asking providers whether the diagnosis is urgent, helping you determine how much time you have to consider alternatives without delaying needed treatment.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The Conversation
Should you get a second medical opinion? A surgeon explains why doing so can make you a more confident patient
Getting a second opinion has become routine in medicine – and it often boosts patients' confidence in their care. Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images PlusImagine you have heartburn. For years you’ve managed with antacids, but one day you’re struggling to swallow steak without vomiting. Your gastroenterologist finds a large hiatal hernia, an enlarged opening of the diaphragm trapping part of your stomach. She sends you to a surgeon, who sa…
Should you get a second medical opinion? A surgeon explains why doing so can make you a more confident patient
by Danielle Friedman, Quinnipiac University, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] Imagine you have heartburn. For years you’ve managed with antacids, but one day you’re struggling to swallow steak without vomiting. Your gastroenterologist finds a large hiatal hernia, an enlarged opening of the diaphragm trapping part of your stomach. She sends you to a surgeon, who says a surgical procedure will correct …
Must you get a 2nd scientific opinion? A surgeon explains why doing so could make you a extra assured affected person
Consider you’ve heartburn. For years you’ve controlled with antacids, however someday you’re suffering to swallow steak with out vomiting. Your gastroenterologist unearths a big hiatal hernia, an enlarged opening of the diaphragm trapping a part of your abdomen. She sends you to a surgeon, who says a surgical process will right kind the issue however may completely modify your digestion. That is your first time listening to that surgical treatme…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
