How do you guys handle patients going for 2nd opinion behind your back?

[Dr.Brian]

In fairness to the non physicians who posted, they gave you their valid opinions on the topic.
They agreed that 2nd opinions are important, especially when the stakes are high.
They don't feel obligated to tell you that they are seeking other opinions.
They're appropriately concerned about a physician who feels threatened by that.
When I was at Stanford, there was a senior neurosurgeon there who would successfully do "hail mary" resections that others would not touch. I would often hear the stories of his patients being refused surgery elsewhere, sometimes multiple places, before getting a referral to this surgeon. My sister in law's rare cancer was misdiagnosed by an accomplished world expert at Johns Hopkins. People make mistakes, interpret things differently, and there is often more than one accepted treatment plan. Second opinions can be lifesaving, empowering, and should be encouraged.

[Rbdport]

I'm a medical professional ( physical therapist) and I advocate a second opinion for my patients. There is more than one way to skin a cat. My PCP and I are mutual participants in my health. A different opinion is not a repudiatiation. It is a different thought. Show me the research, explain it's pertinence to me. I'll make the best informed decision at THAT TIME.

[SPARTAN2161]

Kind of a ego thing IMHO...anything in life i usually get a second opinion. Too many time us humans make mistakes and its only right to get the best medical care possible. How many stories have you heard of people going to a second doc to find out they have some deadly disease or somthing.

[Welshwatchman]

"behind your back"? - Telling phraseology.

It would be wholly unwise for someone to impart 100% faith in a single fallible human being over something as precious as one's health.

However, more than ten opinions and the whole thing gets too complicated.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

"behind your back"? - Telling phraseology.

It would be wholly unwise for someone to impart 100% faith in a single fallible human being over something as precious as one's health.

However, more than ten opinions and the whole thing gets too complicated.

Like which Rolex should I buy?

[paddy_crow]

As a patient, if I had any anxiety about the treatment my physician suggested, I would seek another opinion. I would not tell my physician that I'm doing so, as I don't feel it concerns him. I always research the options and try to become as educated about them as possible. Getting the second opinion can be just about learning or easing my mind.

If a doctor ever took issue, I'd be out of his office ASAP and never return.

[m_allie]

its very hrd to find good doctors out here so looking for one that can help and care at the same time is a challenge

[DanP]

Glad you are not my fp

[abigsecret]

What I don't understand is why a doctor always gets paid, even for a treatment that was never succesful.

If I don't complete the work that is expected from me, I don't get paid for it...

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

What I don't understand is why a doctor always gets paid, even for a treatment that was never succesful.

If I don't complete the work that is expected from me, I don't get paid for it...

I have wondered the same. If there is a mis-diagnoses or the treatment does not work you still have to pay to be seen again. I have to supply, by law, a years warranty on my work.

An OB/GYN doc that I know, who made enough money to retire at 48, was telling me last week how upset he was that he kept having to pay the Dermatologist for his son to get a wart removed. She couldn't get rid of it easily. I had to laugh at him.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

What I don't understand is why a doctor always gets paid, even for a treatment that was never succesful.

If I don't complete the work that is expected from me, I don't get paid for it...

Same goes for police detectives.

[Josthus]

The question is troubling as a medical consumer.

As a "senior" practitioner you would ideally be comfortable with this and know how to handle it professionally, in the best interest of your patient.

Context is important. Are we talking about athletes foot or Ebola? The more complex, or unusual, the more help is warranted.

Your post seems to hint you are uncomfortable with this or perhaps threatened. You direct this question to practioners not patients, from whom you stand to learn as much. If true you are hurt or offended, in those emotions could be the source where grave mistakes are made.

Perhaps the best way to handle is to have faith in your diagnoses, and hope for true competence in your colleague, who will hopefully concur.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

What I don't understand is why a doctor always gets paid, even for a treatment that was never succesful.

If I don't complete the work that is expected from me, I don't get paid for it...

Actually, they don't always get paid.... I don't know the stats, but most practices have a fairly sizable chunk of non-paid accounts. And I think a patient can still due a doc for everything he's worth, even if they didn't pay him.

A few tidbits: Even if a patient has insurance, sometimes it take up to three months for the claim to be processed. 26 percent of medicaid claims are rejected - so the doc doesn't get paid. And, if a practice hires collection agency, they can expect only to regain a portion of that debt, and they have to pay the agency.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

What I don't understand is why a doctor always gets paid, even for a treatment that was never succesful.

If I don't complete the work that is expected from me, I don't get paid for it...

But your physician did complete the work. He interviewed you, examined you, made his/her educated opinion on your diagnosis, and made recommendations for consults, treatment, follow up, etc. That's what you pay for. You don't pay for a "cure", you pay for a service.
If I wake your child up at the end of the procedure, I get paid. It doesn't matter if the treatment, surgery, study, etc was successful. And what is success?

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

But your physician did complete the work. He interviewed you, examined you, made his/her educated opinion on your diagnosis, and made recommendations for consults, treatment, follow up, etc. That's what you pay for. You don't pay for a "cure", you pay for a service.
If I wake your child up at the end of the procedure, I get paid. It doesn't matter if the treatment, surgery, study, etc was successful. And what is success?

I see your point, doc. I probably should've explained my point a little better.

In my situation I have spent many thousands of dollars on doctors, and nothing has helped me to get rid of the pain. Chronic pain for 14 years 24/7 is a long time, and having doctors telling me after lots of treatment and hundreds of $ spent, that I just have to learn to live with it, is a slap in the face.

If I hire a contractor to remodel my kitchen and in the end have no running water or electricity connected to my stove, I would be pissed, and if that contractor would tell me I would just have to live with it... He doesn't care, because I pre-paid him... right? Just like a doctor won't see me unless I pay my $50 co-pay up front.

I've had many doctors mistreat me, and I feel cheated by the system, I'm sorry.

[Grissom]

Seriously?

[gooner3900]

If your patient has got a second opinion he or she will now realise that you are correct and the treatment you offer in the future will be correct. If they keep going back for another opinion on the ongoing treatment you offer then I would refer them to the second Doctor to continue there treatment

[Watch Professor]

The way to avoid having a patient "go behind your back" for a second opinion is to encourage him/her to seek a second opinion.

[sandalgirl]

I researched for months. I got second--and third--and forth opinions. I asked for recommendations and personal experiences. I was shopping for a watch.
If I needed more information about my HEALTH I'd get ten opinions if that's what took to be educated and engaged in my care. If my doctor kicked me to the curb for doing so, I'd call myself lucky.