We seek second opinions all the time. When dressing up for a night out on the town, you might ask your partner what they think of what you’re wearing. You probably consult with a friend about the new car you’re buying and what they think. These are the kinds of subjective opinions that can give you confidence about your choices.
When it comes to medical issues, the only second opinion you should seek is from a qualified medical practitioner. When is the best time to seek a second opinion from a new doctor? At some level, any time is a good time to get a second opinion if you have concerns about a diagnosis or recommended course of treatment. That second opinion is vital when issues with your care might lead to a potential medical malpractice complaint.
Reasons for a Second Opinion
The thing to embrace about getting a second opinion from a doctor is not about you being stubborn or untrustworthy. This is about you getting the best care you can. A review of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania finds 1,485 medical malpractice cases filed with the courts in 2023. That is a rise of the 1,332 cases filed in 2022.
Here are some of the reasons why you might consider asking for a second opinion:
A Rare Condition Diagnosis
A doctor must retain a vast amount of knowledge to treat their patients. When the results of tests are diagnosed as a rare condition, you are right to seek out a specialist who might have more knowledge in the area that the condition is related to. That can help you get a more comprehensive overview of the condition.
Another Perspective
Every doctor has a unique approach to interacting with patients. They also have various levels of training and experience. Sometimes, getting a different perspective from a specialist or clinician who can provide fresh insights into your situation is beneficial.
A Cancer Diagnosis
No one wants to hear the word “cancer” from their doctor. It is the kind of diagnosis that instantly generates stress and anxiety. It is also an illness for which different treatment protocols are recommended. Before you begin a course of treatment, it will help to get that second opinion to confirm or refute those options. You want to enter into the treatment with the confidence that this is the best option.
You Need Surgery
There are many injuries for which surgery is the only recommended course of treatment. There are also ailments and conditions where a viable option would be a less invasive approach than surgery. When you factor in the cost, the risks, and the recovery with any surgical procedure, you can see how important it is to get that second opinion.
Treatment Isn’t Working
What happens when the treatment that your doctor prescribes isn’t working? There could be many reasons for that, such as there being no guarantee that your body will respond like it should. There could also be an issue with the prescribed treatment that requires an alternative approach.
Insurance Coverage for Second Opinions
There will be costs associated with a second opinion. It is not just the doctor’s examination but also the tests needed to form their diagnosis. Will your insurance pay for that? Depending on the condition, there are some insurance policies that actually require a second opinion. Before you make the appointment, checking with your insurance is a good idea. They might require you to get a referral from your doctor.
When You Have Malpractice Concerns
The most obvious reason to seek a second opinion is when you have serious malpractice concerns. In fact, that is the Pennsylvania law. You must acquire a merit certificate before you can file an official medical malpractice complaint. The law describes the certificate this way:
“An appropriate licensed professional has supplied a written statement that there exists a reasonable probability that the care, skill or knowledge exercised or exhibited in the treatment, practice or work that is the subject of the complaint fell outside acceptable professional standards and that such conduct was a cause in bringing about the harm.”
That does not mean you have proven your case. It means there is enough initial evidence and concern to warrant the filing of the complaint. The doctor you obtain that certificate from might eventually testify at a lawsuit trial. The information they provide can form the basis for your lawsuit.
If you suspect that your doctor has committed some form of malpractice, you might not want to tell them that you’re getting a second opinion to confirm that. Instead, you need to find a doctor without any connection to the physician or hospital associated with your incident. This is also the time to speak with the attorneys at Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco. We understand the challenges that a medical malpractice claim presents. We also have a solid record of success in helping clients find compensation for these claims. Trust your instincts and get that second opinion.
