Serious medical diagnoses can mean a long road of treatments for you. If misdiagnosed, your body could sustain unnecessary treatments that take a toll on your health and safety.
When an inaccurate diagnosis results in harm, you could sue your doctor for medical malpractice. Sometimes, getting a second opinion can help you make confident decisions about your health and lower your risks of misdiagnosis.
Getting confirmation
A second opinion often means researching reputable doctors, going through a second consultation and then completing required tests before you receive a diagnosis. While this may seem extreme when your doctor has already provided a diagnosis, the amount of work it takes to get a second opinion pales in comparison to the reassurance and protection it can provide.
There is no harm in getting a second opinion. You can either confirm what you have already heard or received additional insight that allows you to make a more educated decision about your health. According to The Mayo Clinic, a study of patients revealed that of those who sought a second opinion, 21% had their diagnoses changed while nearly 66% received clarification about their original diagnosis.
Making a decision
You deserve access to all of the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and subsequent treatment. Inadequate, vague or false information can put you on a treacherous path. You may waste money on recurring treatments, suffer from persistent symptoms and experience emotional turmoil as you await an accurate answer. With opinions from a couple of trusted doctors, you can assess commonalities to help you identify solutions that will meet your needs.
If you have suffered ongoing pain or have developed a chronic illness because of a misdiagnosis, your doctor needs to take accountability. Your decision to work with an attorney may help you prepare your next steps so you can press for compensation for the trauma you have endured.
