That’s how you handle it
Are you unsure about your doctor’s diagnosis? And do you also want to hear a second opinion? Then you can ask for a second opinion. How do you handle that?
A second opinion is in fact only about the independent medical advice of another healthcare provider, i.e. the diagnosis or a treatment plan.
It can also be advice about a treatment that has already been carried out about which you have doubts. A second opinion therefore does not concern taking over the treatment. If so, it is a reference.
The care provider can be a general practitioner, company doctor or specialist, but it can also be another care provider, such as a dentist or a physiotherapist. The care provider can refer to a colleague for a second opinion, but you can also choose someone yourself. When arranging a second opinion, it is important to know what conditions your health insurer sets.
Healthcare mediator
Your health insurer can also help you with a second opinion. Everyone is entitled to it and most supplementary insurance policies reimburse it. A referral letter is required, which you can ask the first specialist or the general practitioner. The first doctor will often be able to name the doctors from whom you can ask for a second opinion, but the patient association and the health insurer’s care mediator can also give you the names of specialists.
In the case of ankle or wrist complaints, the healthcare mediator can, for example, point to a specialized center, which may have a different view of the complaints than an orthopedist at a normal hospital. But the insurer also keeps lists of doctors of other specialties who can be approached for a second opinion.
Refuse
Doctors can only refuse a second opinion if they have compelling reasons, for example if a patient constantly requests second opinions without good arguments.
You should always inform your healthcare provider of your desire to obtain a second opinion. He will have to provide the other healthcare provider with your healthcare file.
In a number of cases, the general practitioner can also arrange the provision of information. On the basis of this information, the second care provider can determine an initial position, but usually new examinations will be performed on you.
Obtain information
Suppose you are unsure about your specialist’s diagnosis or treatment plan in the event of a serious illness or complication. The specialist wants your permission to start the treatment, but you wonder whether, for example, an operation is necessary, or whether you want to know whether there are better alternatives for your treatment. You can immediately request a second opinion from your doctor or possibly postpone the treatment and in the meantime obtain more information.
Dilemma
Getting a second opinion can put you in a dilemma. If the other healthcare provider comes to the same conclusion, it will probably clear your initial doubts. But if the second opinion implies a completely different opinion or treatment, it can be difficult to weigh up which view is the right one.
You should then ask yourself in whom you have the most confidence and which treatment suits you best. You can also look at the experience both consulted health care providers have with their treatment and which has the best chance of success.
In most cases, the healthcare providers involved will discuss the best solution and, if necessary, agree on a treatment plan. If you still have serious doubts, you can always consult again with your general practitioner, health insurer or patient association.
Sources:
NPFC
