you and your doctor
the treatment options the doctor presented her— primarily because there didn’t seem to be many options. “[He] was pushing me in a direction too fast without really explaining the reason why,” she says. After seeing another orthopedic surgeon,
Newman did go ahead with the surgery. But, she says, it’s mostly because she felt so much more confident that the doctor was recommending the best possible treatment after exploring other options. Also, this doctor actually explained Newman’s MRI, so she understood what was wrong with her knee. This helped Newman feel less overwhelmed about surgery. According to Schaffer, receiving the same diagnosis
Receiving the same
diagnosis and treatment plan from a second
physician does not mean it
was a pointless pursuit. The peace of mind is worth it.
and treatment plan from a second physician does not mean it was a pointless pursuit. To patients seeking a second opinion, getting that kind of confirmation is a huge relief. The peace of mind is worth it.
WHY GET A SECOND OPINION? Maybe you’re not the type of person who’s ever considered getting a second opinion. That’s okay, too. Every diagnosis does not require a consult with another doctor. The goal of a second opinion is to help you make informed decisions when it
Sarah Koenig, a 28-year-old communica- tions specialist, sought a second opinion. She had a rash that had broken out on her legs. She first visited her primary care physician who wrote a prescription for antibiotics but, wasn’t very attentive, she says, despite the fact that she had questions about her treatment. When Koenig had a reaction to the medicine, she went back to her doctor and asked to see a dermatologist. “My health issue was a rash, but I think even if it’s something as complex as your mental health, seeking multiple opinions can be critical to getting better.”
Sarah Koenig FALL 2010 | HEALTHY ADVICE 21
comes to your health. Second opinions can be useful when you don’t feel completely comfortable with your doctor’s treatment recommendations, or if you’re about to go through with a complex or major procedure. Wojciech Mazur, M.D., F.A.C.C., a cardiologist at the Ohio Heart and Vascular Center, encourages his patients to get more information online and come back to talk to him. He maintains that patients should feel empowered to question major treatment decisions. You should also click with your physician,
he says, and not trusting him or her is enough of a reason to get a second opinion. Second opinions are also important if your doctor is having trouble diagnosing your condition.
IT’S YOUR HEALTH Pettus and Schaffer say getting a second opinion is becoming the norm—and they welcome it. Because of the Internet and all of the information out there, patients are becoming much more proactive about getting the best care. “It really should be more of a part of what we do day-to- day. Patients deserve to know what’s the best answer for them,” says Schaffer.
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