Saturday, December 12, 2009

A second opinion

Many patients are afraid to ask a second opinion. They are afraid to hurt their doctor's feelings. Some doctors are okay with patients asking for a second opinion. They consider it a smart thing to do. Because another opinion can bring light into the darkness. After all, if they are being honest with themselves, they know they are not God Almighty..

But then again, some doctors are offended if their patient asks for a second opinion. They think it's rude and disrespectful and they feel their patient has no trust in them.
Do you think doctors wouldn't ask for second opinions if they got a diagnose or advice they couldn't agree with? Maybe that second opinion could change the medication you take or the diagnosis you were given or maybe even your life!

Second opinions make the system run better. It's not about backstabbing your doctor or not having respect for his advice. It's all about you. It's about your life, your body, your future. Trust your doctor, but don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion if the answers you're getting are not satisfying. The best option is if both doctors could meet and talk it over. Maybe they would come to some kind of agreement? Maybe your doctor might want to reconsider his first advice?
If both opinions are pretty similar, what's the loss? Then you are sure you are doing the right thing. But you will never know, until you asked for a second opinion..


No comments: