Getting treatment for neurological disorders is quite scary, and it is common to feel indecisive thoughts creeping through your head. There are often times when seeking a second opinion is not just appropriate but also necessary. Despite that, more than one in every three patients do not seek second opinions for their diagnosis, which is quite an alarming statistic.
Taking a second opinion as a neurology patient can be lifesaving. This writing aims to educate you about getting a second opinion and why it is necessary to get one.
Let’s get started!
Requesting a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion is not as arduous a task as it seems. All you need to do is upload your previous prescription to a medical professional or hospital portal and book an appointment for a recommendation.
Medical professionals in such cases usually provide written reports and treatment courses as per their expertise, which may reinforce or contradict your previous prescription and diagnosis.
When to take a Second Opinion from a Neurologist
There are several instances when getting a second opinion is preferable. Some of these instances are mentioned ahead.
You can take a second opinion when:
- Your current neurologist’s opinion does not make enough sense, or when your medical professional does not have the necessary specialist knowledge and expertise for your condition.
- Your current neurologist’s opinion makes sense, but various other doctors have given varying recommendations, and you need assistance to make a decision.
- Your neurologist’s opinion makes sense, but you haven’t received therapy recommendations or a precise diagnosis.
- Your neurologist’s second opinion makes sense, but your medical professional has suggested a significant operation, and you wish to make sure that it is the right medical decision to take.
- Your neurologist’s opinion makes sense, but you think that you need more information about your diagnosis and planned treatment, which your current professional is failing to provide.
- Your neurologist’s opinion and prescribed treatment make sense but do not promise any substantial improvement in your condition.
- Your neurologist’s opinion makes sense, but you wish to look into some other treatment options that you can pursue.
How to Get a Second Opinion from a Neurologist
You can ask your current medical professional or neurologist for the information of another expert, someone with whom your present doctor is not closely associated. You can express your wishes to your doctor about wanting to consult other professionals before making a significant medical decision. There is no need to worry about offending your doctor or coming across as if you do not trust their medical expertise and knowledge: most doctors expect second opinions in medicine.
If you do not wish to ask your medical professional for a suggestion, you can check with the nearest hospitals for a specialized neurologist. You can also consult your primary care doctor, such as a general practitioner or your family doctor, for a second opinion doctor suggestion (who doesn’t work with a specialist or your current surgeon) if you have to decide about special treatment or surgery.
You can follow the steps below when getting a second opinion neurology
- Choose a second doctor and schedule a visit. Allow yourself considerable time to arrange all your medical records before you have to be there for your appointment.
- Keep your first-opinion records with you, or have them sent to your second doctor beforehand.
- Take a look at the list of the required forms that your second doctor or hospital may have, and print the ones relevant to your ailment. You can also take notes in order to remember the questions you wish to ask your doctor.
- Have your second doctor send a primary report to your first doctor, as this keeps all your medical reports and information in one place.
How can you Use a Second Opinion?
Once you have all the information you need, you can consult your first doctor or a specialist to talk about the diagnosis and treatment choices you may have. You can also talk about how the testing choices and results can prove useful for the treatment of your condition.
Your decision will be made considerably easy if your doctors agree. However, sometimes they won’t. Even when two doctors follow the same medical guidelines, they may have contradicting opinions about the treatment options. One option doesn’t necessarily have to be wrong in this case, as it simply poses a difference of opinion.
In such a dilemma, you can talk to your primary healthcare provider again, consult another medical professional, or a different healthcare provider to make a decision.
American board certified and specialist trained professionals at NeuroX offer the highest quality of affordable psychological and neurological care right at your doorstep. If you are looking to get a second consultation on your ailment, head over to NeuroX right now and book your slot to talk to a professional of your choice!
