Should I Get A Second Opinion?

When you are injured or have a health problem, one of the first things you should do is see a doctor. Depending on your circumstances, you may see a general doctor, a specialist, or an emergency room doctor. Though doctors study and practice for years, they may not be accurate 100% of the time. If you feel that this is the case with your treatment, you might ask yourself – should I get a second opinion?

Treatment Takes Time

Treatment can take time before you see any improvement. But if you are not seeing any improvement, you should consider getting a second opinion. Usually, any treatable injury or condition will show improvements over the course of healing. If your condition remains the same or gets worse, it may be a sign that you need a different treatment or diagnosis. Having a second opinion from another medical professional can help get you on the right path to healing. 

Malpractice Or Negligence

A second opinion from another medical professional is important when you feel that your injury is not healing. A different doctor may see something that the first doctor missed. Your first doctor may have misdiagnosed you or did not have a proficient treatment plan for your injuries. In many situations, this is not a cause for a medical malpractice case. However, if your doctor was negligent and negatively impacted your healing then you may want to discuss this further with an experienced lawyer. 

Missed Diagnosis

Getting a second opinion from another doctor may improve your treatment. A second opinion can give you peace of mind. There are times when a second opinion can save your life!

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to further health complications. Medical malpractice lawsuits often begin with the patient seeking a second opinion. The second doctor will find something obvious missed by the first doctor.

Learn how a misdiagnosis led to a medical malpractice cover-up lawsuit.

Seek A Second Opinion

It is important to know that getting a second opinion from another doctor may be an important factor in your case, and in your road to recovery. If you are already considering seeing another doctor for a second opinion that may be a sign that you should. If you were completely satisfied with your medical treatment you probably would not be considering a second opinion.

Many people look for second opinions when undergoing medical treatment and there is nothing wrong with doing so. When you feel that your health and wellness could be improved you should do whatever possible to make that a reality.

When A Second Opinion Is Necessary

Under certain circumstances, a second opinion is highly recommended.

• If your doctor recommends surgery, you should seriously consider a second opinion before surgery.
• When you’re not getting better despite treatment, you should consider a second opinion.
• If your doctor is running lots of tests but not finding the cause of your issue, consider a second opinion.
• When the doctor recommends experimental or risky treatment

WebMD has a long list of reasons you should consider a second opinion for diagnosis.

Things To Consider

When you want or need a second opinion, you should consider a few important things.

• Try to get a second opinion from a doctor outside your current doctor’s office.
• Consider finding a doctor on your own. Search the providers covered under your insurance and cross-check them online to make sure they fit your needs.

Local Medical Malpractice Law Firm

If you or a loved one have questions about a possible medical malpractice claim, talk to a trusted local attorney today. At Kane and Silverman we provide free consultations. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.