There are some things one can do with only a nod to detail and correctness. Some
things, however, must be carried out with precision. Like the old adage, “measure twice-
cut once”, with some procedures, you can’t be too careful. This is particularly true with
medical tests. Medical procedures are intimidating, and patients and doctors need the
best information available. Therefore, it is always a wise plan of action to get a second
opinion.
Patients may feel intimidated about asking their physician about a second opinion,
but they needn’t be afraid to ask. Most doctors and technicians welcome a second
opinion and will be happy to refer patients to another doctor or a specialist in the related
medical field. Second opinions are equally important when it comes to lab results and
diagnostic procedures. Asking for a second opinion simply shows you are taking some
responsibility for your health and medical care. Frankly, mistakes and misinterpretations
happen, and if you and your physician can have complete, correct information then it
serves you both.
Remember, the second opinion will not necessarily disagree with the first. If the
results or prognosis is different, you and your physician can decide how to proceed.
Another benefit is that you may gain a new perspective or clarification on the problem. A
“new” set of eyes and another approach to communicating results may actually clear-up
some misunderstandings and/or fears. With a second medical opinion you can be more
certain the medical management is correct for you.
With diagnostic tests, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, Mammography,
Ultrasounds, X-Rays, and Nuclear medicine, error rates and misinterpretations can be
as high as 30%. Reporting errors may be a result of operator error, mixed files, and
physician error; often it is just because the radiology lab was particularly busy on the day
of your test. Unfortunately, mistakes happen all the time and may result in extended pain,
exacerbated problems, unnecessary procedures, even death; viewed this way, you can’t
not get a second opinion.
About the Author
Fortunately there is an easy, accessible, reliable solution for a medical second opinion. USRadreview.com can
provide the second
opinion to assure peace of mind and help you communicate, knowledgeably, with
your doctor about your radiological findings. The physicians at USRadreview.com are
able to take required time to make correct interpretations and provide comprehensive,
detailed reports. You can be in direct communication with their radiologist to ask
questions and express concerns. |