When And Why You Should Get a Second Opinion From a Doctor

Errors are far more common than the medical establishment would have us believe. In fact, research from Johns Hopkins indicates that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Sometimes, these mistakes are difficult to detect — but sometimes, patients can tell something is wrong. If your gut reaction suggests that your physician made an incorrect diagnosis or developed an inadvisable treatment plan, it’s worth seeking a second opinion. Not only is this approach common, it often yields different (and hopefully, better) results. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, a whopping 88 percent of patients who seek second opinions obtain a refined or completely different diagnosis.

Still feeling unsure about securing an opinion from a different doctor or specialist? The following are a few examples of situations in which a second opinion is especially valuable:

Suggested Procedures Seem Too Invasive

Some doctors have been known to take an overly aggressive approach to treatment — and in some cases, the symptoms of said treatments can be more severe than the initial condition. If you doubt the wisdom of prescribed treatments — especially if they’re invasive or seem overly aggressive compared to your current symptoms — consider seeking feedback from another medical professional.

Lack of Improvement After Following a Prescribed Treatment Plan

What if you follow your doctor’s directions but continue to suffer? If your symptoms don’t go away within the timeframe predicted by your original doctor, a second opinion may be warranted. By seeking another perspective, you could secure a more accurate diagnosis and a more effective course of treatment.

Did your physician’s negligence cause you to suffer physically or emotionally? Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation for your medical malpractice case.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.