Why should you Get a Second Opinion in India ?
Medical 2nd opinion for medical or surgical diagnoses are exceedingly common, and even when they don’t lead to another treatment plan, they’re a worthwhile exercise. A medical second opinion provides provides you a cross-check, helping you compare how your current treatment advise matches up to another doctors advice.
Often, a second opinion from another doctor will re-confirm your treatment recommendation. This will give you the much needed peace of mind from knowing that you’re pursuing the right treatment. In other cases, however, a second opinion may present a treatment option that better fits your disease – which could improve or even save your life.
Whether you end up using the opinion or not, getting a second opinion is a good method that helps ensure you get the best treatment possible. Specially Cancer treatment is a matter that greatly affects your personal health, your financial well-being, and your quality of life.It is your right toget a medical second opinion , no matter what.
When You Should Get a MEDICAL Second Opinion in India ?
- Rare or Unusual medical condition: Some treatments are fairly standard, straight forward procedures – but with cancers that are more rare or unusual, different doctors may disagree on treatment methods. If your cancer is unusual, getting a 2nd opinion is the best way to ensure you receive the best treatment possible.
- “No chance of recovery”: Nothing hurts more than these words – especially when they come from the doctor you’re trusting to take care of you. However, even if your current doctor pronounces that you have no chance of making it – it’s not the end. Get a 2nd opinion and see if there might be a treatment option available after all.
- You Find Another Treatment: If you find another treatment method that you weren’t aware of and your doctor didn’t tell you about, getting a second opinion may shed light on other options — maybe less severe surgery.
- Consulting a Disease Specialist: Getting a 2nd opinion with a specialist in your particular form of disorder, ensures you’re getting an educated, informed opinion from a professional who’s dedicated their lives to studying and treating your type of medical or surgical problems.
For cancer treatment, a 2nd opinion is almost always a good idea. While many forms of cancer are now fully treatable, cancer is still an extremely serious condition that can prove fatal. A 2nd opinion helps you get the best possible care and gives you the best chances at healing and recovery in any situation.
That said, while a 2nd opinion is always a good idea, certain conditions and situations should be handled with a second opinion.
WHY SHOULD EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGE ALL EMPLOYEES SEEK A MEDICAL SECOND OPINION in India ?
When an employee faces a serious health problem or is told he or she needs surgery, seeking a 2nd opinion from another physician can, in some cases, have a significant impact on their diagnosis, treatment plan or prognosis.
But too few patients seek 2nd opinions, and it’s causing issues for both employees and employers.
Not seeking a 2nd opinion in the case of a serious, complex, or rare diagnosis or recommendation for elective surgery is a missed opportunity to lower the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate or ineffective treatment. And for employers, it can result in absence or loss of experienced employees, lowered productivity and increased insurance payouts.
So what can be done about the problem? Employers can play an active role in educating employees about the benefits of 2nd opinions and the process for getting a second opinion. To overcome the obstacles that discourage employees from seeking a second opinion — concern about offending their physician, a feeling of urgency about starting treatment, especially with a serious diagnosis like cancer, and concern that insurance will not cover the cost, for example — employers should:
Let them know most doctors welcome a second opinion. Coach employees by providing ways they can start the conversation about a second opinion with their physician. For example, employees can ask their physician if he or she was facing this diagnosis, what doctor’s opinion would they seek. Or they can tell their doctor they’d like to explore all available treatment options before choosing a treatment plan.
Dispel myths. It’s not common that treatment for most health problems, including most cancers, needs to start immediately after diagnosis. Encourage employees to ask their physicians how much time they can take to seek second opinions and make a decision on their treatment.
Highlight the availability of second opinions and the process for getting one in the insurance and benefits information provided to employees. Case management services available through insurance plans and as a standalone service can contact employees who may benefit from a second opinion and walk them through the process.
Let employees know about remote second opinion programs. Thanks to advances in technology, patients no longer need to travel to a healthcare provider to get an expert second opinion. Thanks to the technology, almost all doctors are available for the online 2nd opinion.
If your health plan provides coverage for second opinions in- and/or out-of-network, make sure employees are aware of this benefit. If there is no insurance benefit for second opinions, inform employees that money deposited into health savings accounts, if available, can be used to offset the cost.
Encourage employee engagement in healthcare decision-making through incentives, such as cash back for taking an active role in managing their health risk factors, and digital, interactive tools like apps, videos, and e-newsletters that promote healthy behaviors and active participation in decision-making.
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