How Medical Second Opinions Can Improve Patient Safety
World Patient Safety Day 2024 focuses on ‘Improving diagnosis for patient safety’, with the slogan, ‘Get it right, make it safe’. This directly aligns with the work we do at MediGuide, where our medical second opinion (MSO) service helps prevent misdiagnosis, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs for insurers and employers.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Yet, diagnostic errors remain a major concern, leading to unnecessary treatments, prolonged illness, and, in severe cases, death.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Yet, diagnostic errors remain a major concern, leading to unnecessary treatments, prolonged illness, and, in severe cases, death.
According to the WHO, 10% of patient deaths globally are attributed to diagnostic errors, making accurate diagnosis not just a medical goal, but a critical priority for patient safety.
An incorrect diagnosis affects a patient’s entire life, impacting their health, family, work, and emotional wellbeing. For insurers and employers, the consequences are equally significant, with higher healthcare costs, extended employee absences, and increased insurance claims.
Many of these outcomes could be avoided with an accurate diagnosis from the outset. Ensuring that members or employees receive the correct diagnosis is not only key to improving health outcomes but also crucial for managing costs and maintaining productivity.
Why second opinions are necessary for patient safety
At MediGuide, a medical second opinion (MSO) means access the best medical expertise available. Through our global network of world-class medical centers, patients receive comprehensive second opinion reviews from top-tier specialists. From the moment the process begins, a dedicated case manager supports and guides the patient every step of the way.A multidisciplinary team of specialists at their chosen world-leading medical center in our global network reviews the case. This approach is invaluable for complex or life-threatening conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or rare illnesses. However, MediGuide’s second opinion service is available for any diagnosis, ensuring every patient receives the necessary attention regardless of the complexity of their condition.
This additional layer of scrutiny can be the difference between a misdiagnosis that leads to further complications and the correct treatment plan that leads to optimal health outcomes.’
Measurable Impact: MediGuide’s MSO Outcomes
The value of MediGuide’s second opinion service is reflected in the data we collect. In 79.6% of cases, we see a change in diagnosis, treatment, or surgery avoided, which improves outcomes and prevents unnecessary procedures.Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 98.8% reflects the trust and satisfaction patients have in our service. MediGuide’s MSO service isn’t just about offering a medical second opinion – it’s about transforming patient care and providing peace of mind.
79.6% Overall MSO Case Impact
98.8% Net Promoter Score (Patient Satisfaction)
The business benefits of accurate diagnoses
For insurers and employers, incorporating medical second opinions into health plans or employee benefits offers significant advantages:- Improved health outcomes. Accurate diagnoses lead to faster, more effective treatments, quicker recoveries, and fewer long-term complications.
- Cost Savings. Precise diagnoses prevent unnecessary treatments, cutting high-cost claims and improving overall healthcare management.
- Increased confidence. Access to expert medical advice builds trust in healthcare benefits, resulting in greater satisfaction and retention.
- Better productivity. Correct diagnoses allow patients to recover faster, returning to work sooner, and contributing to a more engaged work force.
Transforming patient safety with MediGuide’s MSO
Alex, a 27-year-old diagnosed with a bulging disc and degenerative disc disease in his neck, faced a tough decision between surgery and non-surgical management. In great pain, and feeling uncertain, he reached out to MediGuide for a second opinion. After a thorough assessment, a world-leading neurosurgeon recommended a non-surgical approach, focusing on physical therapy and medication to manage his symptoms. Empowered by the expert’s detailed explanation and rationale, Alex confidently chose the less invasive path, determined to regain control of his health without surgery.MediGuide’s medical second opinion service provided me with a fresh perspective and empowered me to explore the non-surgical options for my condition. I’m grateful for the expertise and support that helped me on my journey to healing.’
World Patient Safety Day 2024 emphasizes the importance of getting diagnoses right. For insurers and employers, ensuring accurate diagnoses for your members and employees not only improves health outcomes but also controls costs and enhances productivity.
Don’t leave diagnosis to chance – contact us today to find out how we can help transform your approach to healthcare and deliver peace of mind for your members and employees.