This blog is excerpted from the National Spine Health Foundation.

“You should get a second opinion.” You may have heard that term tossed around in regards to your healthcare diagnoses, but when is it time to take it seriously? Getting a second opinion requires time, money and doing one’s due diligence to find a reputable doctor and the one who is right for you.

Some may feel stressed out about the time it takes to find another doctor, make an appointment, and go through the process of their pain from the beginning again. It’s extremely important to ensure you feel comfortable and educated about a process like spine surgery. As non-medical professionals, most people facing spine surgery are receiving a barrage of new information. The terminology, treatments, and recovery processes are foreign — and it can all be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s never a bad idea to seek a second opinion. In fact, being pro-active about getting a second opinion is empowering, offering the patient a role in their treatment they may not have expected. This is a good thing for everyone!

Why getting a second opinion may be a good idea for you

  • Personal Reassurance: Enter your surgery feeling educated, empowered and assured that you have done everything you can to make the right decision.
  • New Information: An alternate doctor might point out something you hadn’t thought of before — something worth consideration.
  • Variety of Experience: No two doctors are alike or have seen the exact same cases. A different doctor may have more relevant experience to your specific condition — or know something another didn’t. Healthcare is a constant learning process for doctors, too.
  • Peace of Mind: If at least two surgeons agree on the procedure you need to have, it will be comforting to know your research in finding a second opinion paid off. The peace of mind that comes with this kind of consensus can be so helpful to you as a patient.

What Should You Do if You Want a Second Opinion?

Let your doctor know that you are interested in seeking a second opinion. If the doctor is offended, that signals that you are likely right in wanting someone else to take a look. A doctor should not be offended if a patient is interested in seeking a second opinion.

Call your health insurance company to see if they offer coverage for second opinions and speak with your healthcare network about the process for doing so. Be sure to get copies of all your records and up-to-date medical information so you can easily provide this documentation to the new physician.

Come to your appointment prepared with questions, ready to take notes, and you will be ready to make the best healthcare decision for you when it’s over. When you have all your information at hand and can think through what both providers have offered, you have empowered yourself and your personal health.

Have you spoken to us?

If you’re suffering from debilitating back or neck pain, allow our surgeons to provide a complimentary review your case to determine if you are a candidate for our exclusive and patented Bonati Spine Procedures. Simply call 844-663-0310 or complete our contact form here and a Bonati patient advocate will be happy to reach out to you directly to discuss.

Read the full National Spine Health Foundation article here: https://spinehealth.org/second-opinion-surgery-doctor/