The Rise In Second Opinions

The Wall Street Journal ran a recent article about second opinions. In interviews about my book, Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice To Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System, the thing I am most often asked about is a second opinion. I say in my book, " . . . I believe most doctors think that [second opinions] are a good idea in the right circumstances." The article points out that second opinions may in many cases now be done on-line. This service is being offered by such well-known institutions as Massachusetts General Hospital and Cleveland Clinic, as well as stand alone businesses. The patient pays a fee and sends his medical records to the second opinion provider who then renders a second opinion. As the article acknowledges, this is especially valuable for patients who do not live close to major medical centers. I think that a face-to-face second opinion is better, but do not diminish the usefulness of the on-line second opinion when necessary.  However obtained, it is obvious that second opinions are being sought in increasing numbers. George Pauly of Massachusetts General estimated that its "online second-opinion service, which started about eight years ago, handled about 10,000 cases last year compared with fewer than 1,000 five years ago . . . ."