Another perspective

Second story: 4 tips to better handle second opinions

Whether you’re giving the first or second opinion, this advice will help you navigate the process with ease.

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Diagnoses and treatment plans are often straightforward. But in complex cases, another perspective could be just what the patient ordered. Whether you’re giving the first or second opinion, maintaining objectivity and open communication is essential throughout the process.

Albert Yurvati, DO, a surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas, strives to remain impartial when working with patients who have already met with multiple physicians. In one case, a teenage basketball player saw a dozen physicians for pain in her back, neck and shoulders before Dr. Yurvati diagnosed and treated her for an injury to the xiphoid process at the base of her sternum.

“You have to bring out your uniqueness as an osteopathic physician to look at the whole person, not just zero in on one problem,” Dr. Yurvati says. “A patient might have pain in the shoulder or back but the problem could be something in the front.”

The following tips can help physicians successfully navigate the second opinion process:

Don’t take it personally

Patients with complicated cases may want confirmation of a diagnosis or treatment plan for peace of mind. Reassure your patients that you are not offended if they seek another opinion or decide to pursue treatment with a new physician if they prefer his or her bedside manner or suggested treatment plan.

Jay Shubrook, DO

“We don’t know all the treatments. Physicians should learn that second opinions can be support from the rest of the medical team, not a rejection of their initial opinion,” says Jay H. Shubrook, DO, a family physician in Fairfield, California, who has done first and second opinions for patients with diabetes.

Arm patients with information

Have patients bring their records, your notes and any other pertinent information, like images, to the other physician. Ask patients why they are seeking a second opinion—for instance, for confirmation of diagnosis or a different treatment plan—and encourage them to share that goal with the new physician.

Always maintain objectivity

Albert Yurvati, DO

When asked to give a second opinion, don’t be critical of the previous diagnosis. Use the first physician’s notes and patient history for background information when formulating your diagnosis.

“Ask the patient what’s wrong, what hurts, what was told to you, then examine and come up with your own recommendation,” Dr. Yurvati says.

Encourage communication

Ultimately patients need to decide which opinion makes sense for them. Whether they proceed with treatment from the original or a subsequent physician, make sure your patients let all the health care professionals they saw know how they want to proceed so everyone understands who will be handling treatment.

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