This new service allows you to obtain a second medical opinion on any medical diagnosis given by a doctor or hospital consultant in the UK. This second opinion service is provided by teams of medical specialists in renowned hospitals that lead the world in many aspects of medical research and treatment. While in many cases, your second medical opinion may confirm your diagnosis or suggest only minor changes to your treatment strategy, you will have the reassurance that the treatment being proposed for you or your family will not only be correct but will be verified as appropriate by specialists recognized as international authorities in their field.
Medicine is more of an art than an accurate science the art of calculating diagnosis and evaluation of all the alternatives.
The main reasons why it is an important service and relevant to the UK are:
Avoidance of medical mistakes - Unfortunately mistakes are a major part of the game. A specialized second medical diagnosis can be an important element in reducing the likelihood of mistakes. Please have a look at the News links attached.
- Reassurance - As the level of medicine in the UK is of a western standard, in many cases, the medical 2nd opinion may confirm the diagnosis or suggest only minor changes to the first opinion!! But mistakes do happen Another medical opinion provides the reassurance that the treatment being proposed will not only be correct but will be verified by specialists recognized as international authorities in their field as the most effective and up-to-date option available
- Profusion of Knowledge - Medicine is an evolving field!! Because of the constant change both in medical science, technology and new treatments, it is difficult for any one physician to be aware of all the latest information.
- Evaluation of all the options - A decision shall be made after the evaluation of additional alternatives a second opinion consultation can be a way to have a different medical approach and new options.
- Self empowerment - Unlike in the past a patient plays a major role in managing a health condition. Before any decision is made the patient has to evaluate alternative options in order to have the peace of mind that the right decision is taken.
- Independent approach - fresh perspective - in order to obtain a reliable and independent consultation the case should be reviewed by a medical team who don't have a close relationship with the local doctor who provides the first opinion. Doctors who practice together are likely to think similarly, and might tend to defer to the opinions of their colleagues. A fresh perspective is advisable.
For minor health problems, second opinions are usually unnecessary. However, an additional consultation is probably a good idea if you are:
- Having major surgery
- Questioning whether surgery is the only option
- Unhappy that your regular doctor can't diagnose your problem
- Having trouble talking with your current doctor(s)
- Not seeing improvement in your medical condition
- Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer, heart disease or brain tumor
- Told a second surgery is recommended
- Having multiple medical problems