Choosing a Treatment plan is an overwhelming experience especially if the patient is suffering from malignant health conditions like cancer. Seeking a second opinion is great for learning about different options. Many patients today like to explore their options before settling on a treatment plan and most doctors encourage it.

Why do patients seek a second opinion?

A patient might get as many opinions as they like for their treatment due to any reason whatsoever or concerns caused because of pre-treatment anxiety or stress.

Here are few common examples of why patients usually seek for a second opinion:

•    They want to know all the treatment options available to them. So that, they can choose it by comparing the pros and cons of each treatment by determining their post-treatment risks. 

•    The Specialist is unable to determine what is the disease or cause of the disease in his/her patient.

•    Patient has an uncommon or very unusual diagnosis or disease.

•    The patient thinks another treatment might be more suitable for them based on their research.

•    The patient is uncomfortable with their doctor, or unable access them at all times, making them want to consider someone else. 

Is second opinion really beneficial?

People don’t require second opinions for everyday medical care. Second Opinion is used when:

•    The patient is deciding on an expensive or complicated test or treatment, which might include surgery.

•    The patient is unsure if the treatment or test will really work.

•    The patient is unsure about his/her diagnosis.

We understand that some patients might feel shy about telling their doctors that they want to get a different opinion on their condition. So, we have created a list of few conversation starters that will help the patients break this news.

•    “I think I want to get a second opinion. Do you know anyone I should make an appointment with.”

•    “I want to be sure about the treatment plan before we start it, so I am planning on getting a second opinion.”

•     “If you were suffering from the same disease, who would see for getting a second opinion.”

•    “I am not comfortable with this treatment plan, and would like to receive a second opinion on my condition.”

Contrary to popular belief, Patients should not rush on deciding a treatment, especially if they are suffering from a serious health condition. It is always better to get different opinions and sleep on them before making a decision. Most of these treatments are pretty expensive and can drain a patient’s lifetime saving, leaving no hope of another procedure or treatment, if required. Based on the aggressiveness of the patient’s condition the treatment of the disease can also get complicated.

Factors to consider while getting a second opinion:

Patients should contact their medical insurance company, to inquire if their plan covers the cost of getting a second opinion.

Patients can seek a recommendation from their doctor or their insurance company for another specialist. Patients can also directly contact Medmonks, or explore our searchable database of some of the best specialty doctors.

Patients should collect their medical records from their doctor or the hospital before going for a second opinion, to ensure that the other specialist can get a thorough analysis of your condition and the treatment plan suggested by the doctor.

Things Patients should share with their new doctors:

•    A copy of all the pathology reports produced from any surgery or biopsy

•    If the patient has undergone surgery, a copy of their operative report

•    If the patient was in the hospital, a copy of their discharge summary that is created during the discharge.

•    A summary of the doctor’s treatment plan

•    A list of all the drugs consumed, in what doses, and when.

What happens after the patient have received a second opinion?

If the patient’s second doctor agrees and approves the treatment plan suggested by the first, they can feel confident and move forward with it.

But, if the treatment plan suggested by the new doctor varies from the first, patients can do the following things that might help them come to a conclusion.

•    Fix an appointment with the first doctor, and discuss the second opinion.

•    Patients can ask both doctors to explain why they suggested their respective treatment plans.

•    Ask how they analyzed and interpreted the test results.

•    Ask what treatment options have they suggested to the patients who were experiencing the same condition.

•    Ask if the two doctors will be willing to work on your case together. 

Concluding Statement

If the patient is not confident about the treatment plan suggested by the new doctor they might go ahead and get a third or fourth opinion. However, patients should realize that some of them might be experiencing from pre-treatment anxiety, that might be preventing them to proceed with any treatment plan.

Exploring different opinion can be life changing in some situations, but getting more opinions can also result in delaying their treatment, which in some condition can turn out to be life-threatening. We suggest patients who find it difficult to put their finger on a treatment plan to take a step back and receive therapy for gaining emotional and mental stability, as we understand that some patients might be feeling overwhelmed listening to the symptoms, risks factors and the rehabilitation care required after each treatment.

Get the Second Opinion Here!

Patients can contact Medmonks directly if they are finding it difficult to get a second opinion. It is a healthcare management company specializes in assisting international patient that prioritizes them, as its team understands the emotional and mental strain a patient and their family have to go through because of a disease. Its own team consists of doctors who guide patients to the right doorstep based on their condition. Patients can let its team manage the groundwork so they can completely focus on their treatment. 

Medmonks encourages patients to get second opinions by scheduling their appointment with some of the best specialists in India so that they can get advice from the best and most experienced healthcare professionals in the country.