Although it’s understandable for patients to seek a second opinion, hearing those words can make a physician question the patient’s trust level within their doctor-patient relationship. Not only are second opinions appropriate for patients, but medical writer Naveed Saleh, MD, MS, notes they are also helpful in non-emergency situations. Dr. Saleh points out that several experts support the healthcare system establishing an official route for patients seeking a second opinion.
According to an article in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, nearly 88% of patients want a second opinion, and experts urge physicians to encourage their patients to explore that option. The authors of the article found that up to 56% of patients reported a difference between first and second opinions. Interestingly, after getting a second opinion, 91% of patients opted to go with the initial opinion. Second opinions agreed with the initial opinion within 43% to 82% of cases. What’s more, nearly 69% of patients experienced altered diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis with their second opinion.
The authors point out that socioeconomic status plays a role, as patients of lower socioeconomic status are less inclined to seek an alternate opinion. This may occur due to physicians’ tendency to suggest seeking a second opinion to more educated and wealthier patients. Nonetheless, it is indicative of existing healthcare inequities. The authors also note many physicians dismiss the idea of suggesting older adults seek an alternate opinion. Sadly, uneducated, poor, and older patients are more prone to disease and could, therefore, greatly benefit from a second opinion.
Dr. Saleh encourages physicians to remember that going for an alternate opinion builds patient autonomy and empowerment. The Patient Advocate Foundation notes that quality physicians understand a patient’s desire to seek an alternate opinion and urge them to do so. The American Medical Association also supports doctors in encouraging their patients to seek an alternate opinion. Dr. Saleh notes that physicians should request that patients who seek alternate opinions keep their initial doctor informed of any additional opinions and the patient’s ultimate chosen route
