Second Opinions: a Vital Tool in Ensuring your Employees Receive the Best Care
One little discussed, but essential, tool your employees need to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate care is the second opinion. But many people feel uncomfortable asking for a second opinion, worrying that their physician will be insulted that they are “second guessing” his or her judgment.
According to Senior Pinnacle Care Advocate Deniz Ozkok, however, there are a number of situations when it is vital you seek a second opinion. “Whenever you receive a cancer diagnosis or surgery is recommended, a second opinion is essential to ensure your diagnosis is correct and you’re getting the best treatment,” she explains.
A study at the Johns Hopkins Hospital supports Ozkok’s belief in the value of second opinions. The study found the pathology reports for 2% of patients at large medical centers were incorrect, which means 86 out of 6,000 people were misdiagnosed and either received the wrong treatment or no treatment.
Ozkok notes the case of a woman who joined PinnacleCare in the midst of unsuccessful treatment for metastatic breast cancer. When she was first diagnosed, the member had tested negative for estrogen receptors, a result found in only 30% of breast cancer patients. That test determined what type of chemotherapy she would receive. When she came to PinnacleCare, an appointment was arranged with a new oncologist at one of our Centers of Excellence who reviewed the patient’s records and immediately ordered a new estrogen receptor test. That test was positive and changed the course of the patient’s care.
If you need surgery, a second opinion not only makes sure you receive an accurate diagnosis, it also ensures your surgery is performed by a doctor skilled in the surgical techniques most appropriate to your condition and health situation. Many types of surgery, from heart bypass to knee replacement, can now be performed less invasively, cutting your recovery time and risk of complications. PinnacleCare helps members find the doctor with the highest level of skill and experience in each type of surgery.
“When one of our members needs surgery or treatment for a life-threatening condition, we routinely help them seek a second opinion from a physician at the Center of Excellence with proper expertise,” adds Ozkok. “It’s the best way to ensure the diagnosis is accurate and the best treatment options are put in motion.”
