Second Opinions

Baffles me too. I would really like to hear them explain how it's a conflict of interest. Second opinions are not meant to be a review of another's work, but a another assessment of the patient's condition. I always thought all patients were entitled to a second. Have we been misled in believing that?

Don't tell them it's a second opinion.

Doctors are very leery of malpractice suits so it is a very understandable position. Holden has offered the solution. You may find that some doctors will ask if you have seen another doctor for the same problem on their admissions forms and if so why you are bringing the patient to them.

I was going to tell "play baseball" that maybe wood had outused its usefulness and to change to coal.

Take it out of the hands of the docs and put it into the hands of the HMO. You'd be surprised how they listen if you have doubts about the diagnosis and/or the results of the prescribed direction. Many times we look at the HMO as our enemy but there are ways they can become an ally.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

In one case, last fall, we did get our second opinion--by a doctor in Chicago......and in the second case, we will get our second opinion by another doctor in Chicago during spring break....I guess we are just more cynical or something....When I called and spoke with one of our doctors' physician assistants, she exclaimed "You BETTER get a second opinion!" And she was concerned enough to contact the p.a. of the doctor that she was recommending while I was on the phone with her to tell him about my son.........

But I still don't get it.