Going to the doctor regularly can wind up saving your life. You might have routine tests conducted that find elevated blood pressure, elevated white blood cell count and other indicators of serious illnesses or diseases. But, not every doctor will diagnosis you correctly. That’s why it’s important to seek out a second and third opinion from other doctors when diagnosed with a serious health condition.
Do not feel uncomfortable, which some people do, by seeking a second or third opinion. You are not doubting your doctor, who you might have been seeing for decades. Instead, you are making sure that what you were told is accurate so that you can move forward with the appropriate treatment.
Doctors, lab technicians, pathologists and other medical professionals who run tests and study the results are human. This means that they are not perfect. They are bound to make a mistake. They might have a clean track record, but your diagnosis could wind up being the one they handle incorrectly. This is why second and third opinions are so important.
For the most part, seeking second and third opinions is done to determine the best course of treatment for your diagnosis and not always to catch someone who made a mistake. This is also important in your overall care following a serious medical diagnosis.
Medical malpractice is a serious problem that affects thousands of people annually in Georgia. Protect yourself when going to the doctor by asking a lot of questions, taking notes and bringing someone with you who can pay attention if you are receiving bad news.