Category: Second Opinion

neurological symptoms of rheumatic disease
Nov 20 2014

Are Your Neurological Symptoms Really Rheumatic Disease?

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

About 46 million people in the U.S. are living with rheumatic diseases. This class of illnesses – which include lupus, systemic vasculitis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and various forms of arthritis – impacts the joints, soft tissues and immune system. Some of these diseases may also cause neurological symptoms, such as headache or seizures. If these neurological... Read More

oncologist - second opinion
Nov 4 2014

4 tips on how to tell your oncologist you want a second opinion

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the effectiveness of your treatment depends on two factors: the accuracy of your diagnosis and the design of your treatment plan. This is why you should seek a second opinion, which will either affirm the first opinion and treatment plan or provide additional information to consider. It’s normal to... Read More

Topics:
back surgery
Oct 21 2014

Is Back Surgery Right for You? Do You Need a Medical Second Opinion?

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

During any three-month period, about 25 percent of adults in the U.S. experience at least one day of back pain, making this ailment one of the most commonly reported health problems. If you experience back pain, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step. For most conditions that cause back pain, your doctor is likely... Read More

Topics:
Second opinions for biopsies may help patients find more effective disease treatment.
May 30 2014

Medical Second Opinions on Biopsy Results Could Save Lives

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

While biopsies provide important information that helps diagnose cancer and other diseases, several studies have found that there can be errors in the interpretation of the results. Seeking a medical second opinion can make a difference in both your diagnosis and your treatment options. Read More

Topics:
Virtual consultations: facilitating important second medical opinions
May 23 2014

Virtual consultations: facilitating important second medical opinions

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

When it comes to getting a medical second opinion, remote consultations can facilitate a more personalized healthcare experience focused on a patient’s individual needs. A study recently published in the journal Health Affairs reported that 42 percent of hospitals in the U.S. are equipped with devices that could make telemedicine and remote consultations even more... Read More

complications after surgery
Apr 9 2014

Parents of infants with heart problems seek second opinions

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

One of the most stressful moments in a parent’s life is when you find out that your child has a serious illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 40,000 children are born each year with some form of a congenital heart condition, making it the most common birth defect in the U.S.... Read More

Topics:
Feb 25 2014

Protect yourself from the wrong medical diagnosis and treatment

Second Opinion  •  By Robert Conners

While there have been a number of studies that focus on the grave toll that errors made during hospitalization take, fewer researchers have studied an equally important subject—the frequency of and harm caused by incorrect or missed diagnoses. Over the past few years, however, several studies have highlighted the ongoing problem of misdiagnosis and their... Read More

Jul 19 2013

Should you get a second opinion?

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn

Why is it important to get a second opinion when you’re facing a serious medical diagnosis? When you make an important decision, like buying a home, writing a will, or investing your money, you do research to gather the information you need to make an educated, informed choice. While you can gather some of that... Read More