What is Second Surgical Opinion?

A second opinion for your surgery helps you get as much information as possible before initiating your surgery. Your doctor may state the need for surgery to diagnose or treat a non-emergency health condition, in which case a second opinion can help you make a sound judgment about your health. However, many times, you may not feel comfortable discussing your condition, and you may choose not to get a second opinion. It is, therefore, your personal choice, whether or not you want to consider a second opinion.

When is Getting a Second Opinion Necessary?

Your doctor may not propose a second surgical opinion unless there is a major life-threatening emergency. In many situations, your doctor will advise you to get a second opinion based on the complexity of the situation because most conditions can be cured using different therapies, and one or more therapies may work well for you.

When you should seek a second opinion, consider the following scenarios:

• You may have consulted your surgeon but you are still not sure about your condition or diagnosis.
• You want to safeguard yourself against a misdiagnosis.
• You have had a few therapy sessions, but your disease reappears unexpectedly.
• Your therapy is still ongoing, but your diagnosis is not conclusive.
• Your current diagnosis can be addressed with more than one therapy.
• You believe there is something incorrect with the diagnosis of your condition or your proposed therapy.

Many patients are usually apprehensive or perplexed about asking their doctor for a second opinion referral. However, a second opinion for your surgical concerns is quite common and your doctor will neither be surprised nor offended if you bring up your concern.

The Cost of a Second Surgical Opinion 

Second surgical opinion programs (SSOPs) have been utilized by both public and private insurers since 1972 to enhance patient information and decision-making processes, as well as to decrease operative risks and costs associated with dubious and perhaps needless surgeries. Here are some basic requirements you want to follow to be able to make prudent decisions for your diagnosis and treatment:

• Always keep a comprehensive medical record from the first doctor so that you don’t have to redo any diagnostic tests.
• Make a note of your questions and ask the doctor to clarify them for you.
• Tell the doctor about the procedure that your primary care physician has advised.

Second Surgical Opinion and your Surgical Plan

The expense of a second opinion is managed by your health insurance plan and whether or not testing is required. The minimal price ranges between Rs.500 to Rs.3,000 or more, depending on the severity of the therapy and the specialization.

Before getting an appointment for a second opinion, check with your insurance company to determine whether it has second surgical opinion coverage. In the event when you do not have health insurance, your doctor may recommend a second opinion from a specialist in their health care network.

Even after your surgical second opinion, if you are still unsure what to do next, it is a good idea to consult a third doctor. You want to consult a third surgeon when two doctors recommend two distinct therapies, and both have different outcomes. Getting a second or third opinion does not mean you have to switch doctors, and you are at the liberty to choose who will perform your surgery.

The cost and time necessary for a second opinion have significantly decreased as technology has advanced. This technology makes it simple to provide high-quality data to doctors and receive an online diagnosis that is accurate, timely, and cost-effective. Patients no longer have to waste time and money traveling to and from healthcare facilities. Online physicians or surgeons are increasing doctor’s reach in all areas of medicine.