• 17
  • January
    2012

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, there is growing evidence that patients who obtain second opinions can lead to significant changes in a diagnosis or in recommendations for treating a disease. That is particularly the case when a diagnosis has been based on radiology images or pathology slides from biopsies.

The fact is that some diseases are very difficult to diagnose correctly and test results can be inconclusive or inaccurate. About one in 10 mammograms, for example, results in a false positive. Diagnostic testing often leaves ample room for carelessness on the part of physicians. Almost half of the medical malpractice claims at Harvard University medical institutions which resulted in serious harm or death over the last five years was the result of diagnostic errors.

Many patient advocates familiar with the issue say that it is wise for patients to get a second opinion on any diagnosis and to get all treatment options on the table. That may be difficult for some patients, particular when the diagnosis is serious.

Sometimes getting a second opinion can result in less invasive and expensive treatments than was originally thought to be needed. Cancer, dementia and coronary artery disease are all conditions which are susceptible to misdiagnosis.

Of course, getting a second opinion can add extra costs, as well as the risk of becoming overwhelmed by the diversity of opinions for serious conditions. The key seems to be to find a doctor you trust and to go with their recommendation.

In our next post, well continue looking at this topic.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "What if the Doctor Is Wrong?," January 17, 2012.