The Power of Second Opinions

On its Health Shots Health News Page, NPR recently posted an article about second opinions, citing the story about the actress Rita Wilson's cancer diagnosis and subsequent double mastectomy. As I wrote in Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice To Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System, second opinions are important and beneficial. The article points out that second opinions are not always right, just as first opinions are not always right, but states: "That doesn't mean second opinions are a bad idea. By some estimates, diagnostic errors occur in 10 to 15 percent of cases."

 

Knowledge is power, including in the patient protection arena, and more knowledge is more power. So, get that second opinion.