How medical second opinions save lives and healthcare costs
Naturally, people trust their doctors to deliver accurate medical diagnoses. Still, it makes sense for patients to get a medical second opinion to ensure that all possible diagnoses and treatment options are considered. Also, where one doctor may take a more conservative approach to treatment another may take a more aggressive stance. This means that treatment recommendations, as well as healthcare costs, for a particular condition or disease may vary dramatically from case to case, and can be expensive and invasive.
In many instances, as our
2018 case evaluation demonstrates, an alternate perspective, better still the second opinion findings of a team of world-leading medical experts, about a diagnosis and/or recommended treatment means:
- No misdiagnoses
- The most appropriate treatment and care recommendations
- Access to world renowned medical facilities
- More positive medical outcomes
- Peace of mind for the patient
- Better quality control
- Cost savings
A real-life case study
Carol Khalifé was in her usual state of health when her young child inadvertently bumped her in the neck. After seven days of consistent neck pain, she sought medical attention, and underwent several diagnostic tests including a CAT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. Diagnosed with a cervical artery dissection (a tear in her carotid artery, one of the large blood vessels in the neck), she was told that she was a high risk for stroke unless operated on immediately. The procedure, which carries a significant associated risk, was presented as the only viable option. Surgery was scheduled for first thing the following morning.
That night, Carol reached out to MediGuide and requested a medical second opinion. Based on the seriousness of the situation, our medical team acted fast. Recognising that her situation did not warrant a traditional approach, which can take days, we quickly connected with our telemedicine partner MediOrbis, and within hours had a surgeon review her medical records.
The result: Our medical second opinion advised against surgery, indicating no eminent danger. Carol decided not to have surgery the next morning, and sought an additional second opinion in person, which endorsed our findings. No surgery necessary.
Since deciding against surgery, Carol is doing fine. It was the right decision.