Importance of Medical 2nd Opinions
Medical second opinions are extremely important in helping you find a more conclusive diagnosis. While all medical professionals are highly trained, there is a chance that the first opinion you seek is wrong. Even if it is correct, getting another opinion can solidify the diagnosis and allow you to proceed in the right direction.
It is particularly beneficial to obtain a second opinion in the following circumstances:
- Your diagnosis is unclear.
- Your condition is rare and your first doctor admits to not seeing it that often
- Your first diagnosis came back without any conclusive results
- You've been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition.
- The recommended treatment is risky, controversial, or experimental.
- You have a choice of treatments or medical tests that vary widely in cost.
- You're not responding to treatment as expected.
- You have lost confidence in your medical care provider.
Other scenarios exist, but these are the most common that indicate a second opinion is beneficial. In turn, this can lead to you receiving the most accurate diagnosis, while also saving a fortune. Many patients end up wasting money on treatments that don’t solve any issues because they received an incorrect diagnosis. Getting the opinion of another medical professional - particularly if they specialize in a particular area - will ensure you get the desired outcome.
Will health insurance providers pay for a second opinion?
In general, health insurance providers will pay for the costs of a second opinion. However, you are advised to contact them directly and ask about the situation. This prevents situations when you believe they are covering it, but they do not.
If you are currently suffering from kidney problems and have yet to receive a concrete diagnosis, we can help you with a second opinion. Simply fill in our Kidney360 Second Opinion Form, and we can book you in for a consultation with one of our doctors.