Second opinions and medical errors

Safety in medical care is essential and anyone in Louisiana should always know that they have the right to seek a second opinion. They may wish to do this when they are presented with a very serious diagnosis. They may also want to meet with a new doctor if they are repeatedly told there is nothing wrong with them yet they continue to experience symptoms that are not explained or normal.

WebMD also recommends that patients seek second medical opinions if they are provided treatment options that are very risky or experimental such as participating in a drug trial. If a patient feels uncertain about what they are told by one physician for any reason they may benefit from the insights of another provider.

According to The Patient Advocate, a second opinion may do many things for people. It might bring to light a problem that was completely missed by an original provider. It might confirm a diagnosis but offer a different approach to treatment. It might even make a patient feel more comfortable with and confident in the first doctor’s information and recommendations.

When preparing to get a second opinion, people should take care to collect detailed medical records so that the new provider has all of the same data with which to make any diagnosis and recommendation. This also provides the patient with more comparable opinions so they can make the best decision for themselves. Data should include lab results, physician’s notes, pharmacy records and notes or records from hospital visits.