Did you know you are not required to accept the first medical diagnosis you receive? You shouldn’t. According to one study, only 12% of second-opinion patients left with confirmation that the original diagnosis was correct. This means that nearly 90% of patients have a new or improved diagnosis. Call our office today if you or someone you care about has been injured as a result of a healthcare provider’s misdiagnosis. Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.
It’s a common misconception that doctors know everything there is to know about all diseases and can treat anyone who walks into their office. Even the best doctors would find it impossible to be experts in the treatment and care of every disease. As a result, seeking a second opinion is the most practical way to locate a doctor who can provide an alternative viewpoint on your diagnosis and treatment.
When making major life decisions, such as purchasing a new home or selecting a college, we weigh several options, compare risks and benefits, and conduct extensive research before making a final decision. It’s no different when it comes to choosing a doctor.
Obtaining second opinions and speaking with multiple doctors will also help you learn more about your condition and treatment options. As you advocate for yourself and gain more control over your health outcomes, becoming an educated health consumer will improve the quality of your healthcare.
Even when treating patients with the same diagnosis, doctors’ treatment approaches differ. Some doctors may prefer more conservative treatment options, while others may prefer more aggressive treatment options. You must determine which method is best for you and your family. Seeing multiple doctors will provide you with more information with which to weigh your options and make the best decision.
Every day, people make mistakes, and doctors are no exception. Getting a second opinion is beneficial whether your doctor recommends surgery, diagnoses cancer, or identifies a rare disease. These advantages range from peace of mind to confirmation of a new diagnosis or a different treatment plan.
Even if your second opinion simply confirms what you already know, it can be useful. After that, you will know that you have done everything possible to ensure that you have the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. A second opinion can also provide information on additional treatment options that the first doctor may have overlooked. As a result, you are better informed about your options and can make an informed decision about your health care and treatment plan.
According to a Mayo Clinic study of 286 patients, up to 88% of patients seeking a second opinion will leave the office with a new or refined diagnosis. Meanwhile, 21% of patients will be given a “distinctly different” diagnosis. In contrast, the study, which was published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, discovered that 12% of patients will discover that their original diagnosis was correct. This means that one in every five patients they saw was misdiagnosed.
Meanwhile, a controversial study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers claims that medical errors should be the third leading cause of death in the United States, reinforcing the need for second opinions. According to their findings, more than 250,000 Americans die each year as a result of medical errors, making errors the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. However, they claim that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not accurately document these errors.
While you do not need a reason to seek a second opinion, there are times when it is the best course of action. Furthermore, if the two doctors you see are opposed, it may be prudent to seek a third opinion. Also, keep in mind that the second opinion is not always correct. The key is to keep digging until you understand the diagnosis and treatment.
If you’ve had treatment but your symptoms persist, seek a second opinion. Nobody knows your body like you do. If your symptoms persist even after treatment, it may be time to consult with a variety of doctors and specialists. People do not often advocate for themselves. Instead, they believe they will always have chronic pain or uncomfortable feelings. But keep in mind that the only way to get the right treatment is to get the right diagnosis. So, if you’re not feeling better and your symptoms aren’t improving, don’t accept it. Consult with other doctors to get their thoughts.
If you are diagnosed with a rare disease, seek a second opinion. Sometimes diseases are so rare that very little research is conducted on them. When this happens, it can be both frustrating and frightening to learn that you have been diagnosed with a rare disease. However, you are not alone. A rare disease has been diagnosed in approximately 25-30 million Americans. Furthermore, the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center reports that there are nearly 7,000 known rare disorders, with more being discovered each year. Because there is so little information available about rare diseases and disorders, it is critical to conduct thorough research because the risk of misdiagnosis is high. Seek the advice of doctors and specialists who have previously treated your disorder. This will help ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your condition.
If the recommended treatment is risky, involves surgery, is invasive, or has long-term consequences, seek a second opinion. It is never a good idea to agree to surgery or another invasive procedure without first considering your alternatives. However, some people believe that if a doctor recommends a procedure, they must agree to it. But keep in mind that this is your body and your life. You have complete control over the treatments you accept. As a result, if your doctor recommends surgery, you should consider seeking a second opinion. Being proactive and gathering more information will ultimately give you more control over your treatment.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, seek a second opinion. Having another expert’s opinion on something as serious as cancer just makes sense. A cancer diagnosis is not only confusing and overwhelming, but it is also a life-changing event. As a result, you must be as well-informed as possible about your prognosis and treatment options. Remember that no single doctor is completely up to date on the findings of every single study and clinical trial in the country. Doctors, like everyone else, are fallible. That is why you must speak up for yourself. Getting multiple opinions simply increases the likelihood that you will leave with the best treatment plan possible. Furthermore, when it comes to a cancer diagnosis, some health insurance providers require a second opinion.
If your gut instinct tells you that something is wrong, seek a second opinion. Get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis or the recommended treatment. You should never agree to a procedure or treatment plan if you are not comfortable with it. Trust your instincts and gather additional information. Inquire about your prescriptions. Talk to your friends. Consult with a new doctor. And learn more about your condition. No one should ever feel obligated to obey the doctor’s orders without first asking questions and gathering additional information. Only a small number of healthcare decisions must be made on the spot. So, if something doesn’t feel right, investigate your situation and consult with another doctor.
When you seek a second opinion, you are not being difficult or delusory about your situation. You are being wise and powerful. Taking an active role in your health care is always recommended, and getting a second opinion is an important part of that process. Furthermore, most doctors anticipate and encourage second opinions. So, be honest with your doctor or other healthcare provider about your desire to learn more. And if he doesn’t support you or makes things difficult for you, it’s time to find a new doctor.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of a healthcare provider’s misdiagnosis, call our office today. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, we represent injured clients and their families throughout Upstate New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, Elmira, Binghamton, Auburn, Ithaca, Oswego, Norwich, Herkimer, Delhi, Cooperstown, Cortland, Lowville, Oneida, Watertown, Utica, Canandaigua, Wampsville, Lyons, and surrounding areas. Please call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us via our online form to discuss your case.