Why Second Opinion?
Our Core Value Propositions
2nDr.O differentiates itself from other medical 2nd opinion platforms by being empathetic. Our primary aim is to reduce the anxiety, the feeling of being in an uncertain mental state. The keyword here is CLARITY.
We don’t just provide medical second opinions - we transform uncertainty into confidence.
Patients or their loved ones commonly look for 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO) when the patient has received a life-changing diagnosis. For example, they received the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or Cancer. The reason could be to confirm the diagnosis, to know the most recent treatment options or the BEST treatment options, to understand the course of the disease so that the family can plan coping strategies. If the disease has a genetic basis, the family may want to know about prenatal diagnosis or diagnosis at an earlier stage so that the child can avoid further complex treatments. The classic example is the early diagnosis of Wilson’s disease in the siblings before they suffer liver damage thus avoiding the need for liver transplant. Similarly, one could detect Porphyria in siblings and prevent future catastrophes.
Sometimes the first consulting doctor will encourage a patient to seek 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO) because that doctor does not have the required skills to manage that patient. For example, a plastic surgeon from Guy’s Hospital referred a patient to his colleague at Rickmansworth Hospital which was the only department in the country that could potentially offer the level of complex reconstruction surgery necessary for this patient. Another example is a neurosurgeon not familiar with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) will refer the patient requiring DBS to a neurosurgeon with that expertise.
The patient may also seek for 2nDrO because the treatment given by the first doctor is not giving them relief. The classic examples are Headaches, Neuralgia (e.g. Trigeminal Neuralgia), Sciatica, Epilepsy, Peptic ulcer, Constipation, and other chronic conditions.
Nowadays, patients routinely seek 2nDrO when they are offered high-risk and costly operations such as a hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. One of the reasons is that they may perceive a conflict of interest during their first consultation or, that they cannot decide on the surgery based on the information given by the first consultant. We had a patient who was advised of a Total Knee Replacement. This patient took a 2nDrO in a Centre of Clinical Excellence. He was offered a lifestyle change regime. Ten years since the patient is glad that they did not go for the total knee replacement
Patients may feel that their first doctor did not listen to them properly or did not satisfactorily answer their queries OR the patient realizes later that they now need to seek more answers. In such situations, one must obtain a 2nDrO.
Most doctors do not mind obtaining a 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO). On the contrary, doctors will encourage their patients to seek a second opinion when necessary. There are several advantages to the 2nDrO. It assures the first doctor that their diagnosis and/or treatment was correct. Secondly, if there is any refinement in the diagnosis or a better treatment is offered, the first doctor finds it a learning opportunity. Sometimes, the disease is complex or rare and a second opinion will help to re-affirm the initial diagnosis. Also, it helps the first doctor minimize the risk of potential medicolegal claims in the future. When your doctor is regularly following you for control of a chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus, we do NOT recommend 2nDrO. Second Opinion is a one-off consultation to help you empower yourself in managing your health. In such cases FIRST, seek advice from your first consultant if they are happy for you to seek advice. Only then, do we suggest exploring the 2nDrO. But the ongoing management ideally should go back to your original first doctor.
First, the patient must be seen by a doctor with the appropriate specialty. The doctor must have physically examined the patient, done the relevant investigations, and offered the patient treatment or treatment options. IBHL may refuse to provide a 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO) if it is felt that the minimum perquisites are not met. We may, however, recommend a doctor within your local area to consult you in person.
When the patient seeks 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO) and the diagnosis or the treatment options offered are different, they MUST ask relevant questions to understand the reasons for the different diagnosis or the treatment offered. Patients MUST ask the doctor giving the Second Opinion, to provide robust evidence based on which the doctor made the diagnosis or offered the treatment options. Patients MUST ensure that there is no conflict of interest of the doctor giving the second opinion. If still unsure, go back to the previous doctor and discuss the outcome of the second opinion. The purpose of the 2nd Doctor’s Opinion (2nDrO) is to empower the patient to make best decisions on their health.
IBHL expert doctors follow a standardized form of consultation. Based on our extensive experience, we have set up a robust Standard Operating Procedure to ensure that the consultation process is smooth, and the patient gets the best outcome. Though we have planned to Get it Right, the First Time, we cannot be complacent. We monitor the consultation processes and receive feedback from EVERY patient. This is important for us to ensure that we improve from any shortcomings. They will be an important driving force that will shape our services. Based on your active participation, we will involve you more in driving us to do better.