Second opinion
What is a Second Opinion how does it benefit you and your treatment
Getting a Second Opinion?
Getting additional opinions is every patient’s right as is access to the information that is required to seek such an opinion. Having said that, a second opinion is not a matter of shopping around until you hear what you want to hear although patients’ wishes need to be incorporated, where medically appropriate and feasible in any proposed therapy plan.
Your Medical Scheme and Second Opinion:
Most face-to-face second opinions can be reimbursed by your medical scheme at rates determined by them but this is not necessarily at the rate charged.
Getting additional opinions is every patient’s right as is access to the information that is required to seek such an opinion. Having said that, a second opinion is not a matter of shopping around until you hear what you want to hear although patients’ wishes need to be incorporated, where medically appropriate and feasible in any proposed therapy plan.
It should also not be seen as something designed to discredit the opinion of the primary medical attendant as in many instances the second opinion will be similar to the first, perhaps differing only in nuance or variation of the treatment schedule for patients with cancer can be sought either; When the cancer is first diagnosed
A Second Opinion Can Help To:
Confirm or if it is not yet established or there is uncertainty about the type of cancer, help to make the diagnosis confirm or determine the stage of cancer.
Confirm that appropriate tests such as prognostic and predictive markers have been performed and if not to arrange for further testing Determine if the cancer has spread Get a perspective from specialists with different expertise (such as, in this instance, a medical oncologist if such has not been seen).
Determine if clinical trials or alternative therapies apply to your treatment plan Discuss other treatment options Increase confidence on how to proceed with your care.
Situations Where a Second Opinion May be Important:
If you have a rare or unusual cancer, If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, or the diagnosis, or if you need confirmation.
If you are concerned about treatment side effects or risks that you find disconcerting, If the treatment options proposed will result in unacceptable or unreasonable demands on your life and your family, or If your cancer is not responding to your current treatment.
A First Step: Talk to Your Doctor:
Many people feel reluctant to seek a second opinion for fear of offending your doctor.
People living with cancer and caregivers are often concerned that asking their doctor for a second opinion will create an uncomfortable relationship with that doctor, which may negatively affect their medical care.
Other patients may be confused by the complexity of the healthcare system, are too overwhelmed by their diagnosis or too intimidated, or are not aware that they have the right to a second opinion. However, most medical professionals expect a patient to get a second opinion.
Most doctors welcome a second opinion. It provides you and your doctor with either confirmation of their diagnosis and treatment, more details about their diagnosis, additional treatment options, or recommendations for alternative diagnoses and treatments is always best to be open and upfront with getting a second opinion.
Here are a few statements that can help start the conversation with your doctor: “I respect your opinion but I would like to speak with one other expert before starting your recommended treatment.
How can I proceed?” “I need the reassurance of a second opinion and I’d like to talk with another doctor to be sure. What is the next step?” “This is all so new to me and I feel that a second opinion could help me give me clarity.
”If you had my sort of cancer would you seek a second opinion Before starting treatment?"
Seeking a second opinion is common and can help you feel more confident about the treatment plan chosen.
There should therefore be no bashfulness about seeking suchWhen you get a second opinion, the first thing the doctor will do is confirm your diagnosis.
This includes the type of cancer, where it is if it has spread, and if it is affecting other parts of the body. And, getting a second opinion is not just useful for getting medical information.
It can also help you decide if a doctor, health care team, and treatment center are a good fit for you.
There are many things to keep in mind when you are choosing a doctor for your cancer care.
You will have an ongoing relationship with your oncologist and the rest of your cancer care team.
It is important to make sure that you work well together.
A second opinion will also help you understand your different treatment options.
Even if there are standard treatment protocols for your specific type and stage of cancer, there can be variations in treatment. Different doctors may have a different approach.
This could be the type of treatment, the treatment schedule, or the types of supportive therapies offered.
You should also ask what clinical trials are available to you.
The doctor giving the second opinion needs information including information about the patient, the diagnosis up to this point as well as the reasons for seeking a second opinion which will help to guide the conversation to the appropriate issues Second opinions may well be sought before starting cancer treatment and that form of second opinion will proceed along more general lines and explanations as to type of cancer, its extent and treatment options available.
If treatments for cancer have already been given and there is progression or if there is dissatisfaction with one or other aspect of the treatment a second opinion with case review may be sought.
This type of consultation may be termed a second opinion with a case review.
Further aspects of both processes and what will be required for getting a second will be dealt with below.
Preparing for the appointment:
before you go to the appointment to get a second opinion, gather all of your medical records related to cancer.
This includes test results, such as Pathology Reports, Blood work, and X-ray or other Imaging Tests. The more information you can bring the more complete the second opinion will be.
Please ask the office if any test results, imaging scans, or other medical information needs to be sent ahead of time, particularly if this is very bulky before you have your appointment.
If there is a specific reason for seeking a second opinion please state this so that the discussion can be focused on such matters. For the case review type of second opinion please bring as much information about the prior treatment as you can including the medications used, dosages, and schedule of treatment as well as any side effects or reactions to such treatment.
Here are some tips for you to get all the information you need from the appointment: Take notes. Please ask if you want to record the appointment. Writing down notes or recording the appointment can help you review the information later. Take someone else with you. They can help you take notes and remember what was talked about.
Ask questions especially if there is something you do not understand. If you wish for a written report ( mainly for the case review type of second opinion ) please ask but remember that such detailed written reports take time to prepare and may require an extra fee for preparation. Getting a second opinion will help you feel more empowered and confident in your treatment decisions.
It is important that you receive cancer treatment you understand and are comfortable with, and a second or even a third medical opinion can help you do that.
If required, second opinions can be done either virtually, in real-time, or by appointment but this does have the drawback that a full physical examination will not be possible.
Your Medical Scheme and Second Opinion:
Most face-to-face second opinions can be reimbursed by your medical scheme at rates determined by them but this is not necessarily at the rate charged.
This practice does not require prepayment for second opinion consultations but there may be a portion of the charge that you are liable for.
Some medical schemes may require you to get consultations or opinions from a practitioner on their panel for reimbursement purposes but cannot force you to only choose their panel. Fees for second opinions are the same as for the first consultations and may be obtained from Zainab Baatjes, the practice billing manager. at bezwodaoncology@telkomsa.net
For most medical schemes billing for second opinions can be submitted by the practice to the scheme in question.
If you are unsure of your schemes coverage please consult with them directly.