Undergoing surgery? Get a second opinion
Here are tips on searching for options.
– Start with the doctor recommending the traditional surgery, asking what will happen if you don’t have the operation and if there are alternative treatments, either medical or surgical.
– Ask your primary care doctor to help you find hospitals or surgeons that specialize in your condition
– Major medical centers may offer second-opinion consultations for long-distance patients with certain conditions. Ask what medical records they need, and if your insurance will cover any charge.
– In comparing options, ask surgeons how many times they have performed a particular operation; their patients’ average hospital stay; about the type and frequency of surgical complications; and how long the different options take in the operating room.
Category: Features, Wellness and Complementary Therapies
