Parents of infants with heart problems seek second opinions

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. As with any serious health problem your family faces, it’s important to seek a second opinion to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

According to a survey published in the journal Pediatric Cardiology, parents who seek second opinions when their infant is diagnosed with congenital heart disease overwhelmingly choose that physician for follow-up care.

A parent’s peace of mind
The survey gathered 841 responses from parents of infants diagnosed with congenital heart disease and originally sought to explore how the attitude of the physician who presented information to parents at the time of diagnosis affected the rate at which that those parents chose to seek diagnostic second opinions. Of the 841 respondents, 26 percent chose to seek out another specialist, often because the original physician presented the diagnosis in a way the parents felt was not compassionate or caring.

Finding a physician with expertise in diagnosing and treating pediatric heart problems can be overwhelming, especially for parents facing a newborn’s serious diagnosis. The expertise of a professional health advisor can be an invaluable resource in these situations. A personal health advisor can help you get rapid access to top specialists in pediatric cardiology, accompany you to appointments, and provide objective, evidence-based information on conditions and treatment options. This support can provide peace of mind during a stressful and difficult time and let you focus on providing your baby with the best care.