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Second Opinions?

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Posted 4/20/2010 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
How many of us have gotten second opinions? Is it different than doctor shopping? Do you have any tips on WHAT to do and WHAT NOT to do in talking to a second opinion?

I'm pretty sure I need to get another opinion, but I don't really want it in my file if it's going to tell my disability company that I'm fine and well rather than that I have lupus.

Would love to get ideas on the right and wrong ways to go about getting another opinion.

Thanks
Posted 4/21/2010 12:16 AM (GMT 0)

Well for what it's worth. I don't think i'd even give the doctor the name of the person you are seeing now. Especialy because they aren't doing anything for you. I would just tell them you had a great doctor that was treating your lupus and really helped you out. Unfortunately he died unexpectantly 3 years ago and you have been searching for someone that was as good as he was. (that will get em)!. You havn't been able to find anyone that you could talk to and get answers from and you really need someone that knows about autoimmune diseases instead of just arthritis. Well anyway that's how I would approach it.

hope it helps

carol

Posted 4/22/2010 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Lynnwood, I agree with Carol I would only mention the rheumy that had any sense! Maybe take some of your past labs if you want. You are in Atlanta right? There are a couple of rheumy's that I've heard are very good. If you want I can email you their names, you may already know them though. I sure hope you find another doctor that will listen to you and that things get back on track for you. Take care
Posted 4/22/2010 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have 3 drs I've been paying attention to every since my #1 guy died (3 yrs). (Yes, I'm in Atlanta)

As we all know, there are rheumy's that dx on blood tests alone, on symptoms alone, or on both. Unfortunately, that doesn't show up in their online profiles, nor in patients feedback.

If anyone has had personal contact with Drs. Sam Lim, Kimberley Wilson, or Hayes Wilson, please click on the envelop under my name and contact me directly.

(Remember, we can't associate good/bad/etc with a name on an open forum, we don't want HW to get sued for defamation or support of anyone in particular.)

Thanks so much!
Posted 4/22/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi! All,

I am an old hospital nurse/teacher and it's been my experience that official second opinions do carry some respect. Drs. shouldn't mind giving one, in fact, patients are encouraged to call and ask for an appt, saying you would like to see so and so for the purpose of a second opinion. Oftimes for surgery, or to confirm a diagnosis, or for a disability appeal. I would just be selective in the labs and paperwork you take, to keep it short and sweet, to make it as quick and easy as possible  for the 2nd dr. to form an opinion.  I am pretty sure many insurance plans will pay for a second opionion, or even insist on it. Calling the number on your insurance card should get you the answer according to your coverage. (I encourage everyone to build a notebook and ask/demand/require/insist on copies of everything important). Drs. and offices are getting used to this, it is the age of HMO care...if your primary dr. is one you like and trust, ask them to recommend someone to give you a 2nd opinion. A decent and up to date dr. should not be offended. A good way to find a specialist in any disease is to find a city with a big research/university teaching hospital, and network there as if you wanted to find a new dr. Ask where the nearest lupus research center is, try emailing th Lupus Foundation for drs. in the Atlanta area who support it, or have worked with them in the past.

Good luck and why isn't anything simple?????

hugs, suetoo

Posted 4/22/2010 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
hi lynn :)

i have gone for second opinions and basically chose the doctor via an "interview" . . . i simply told the receptionist that i currently did not have a doctor in the area for my condition and would like to have a brief consultation so that i could meet the doctor in person . . . consultations are generally not expensive and you can tell SOOO much about their philosophy in the 5-10 minutes that you get with them . . . that's how i found my current GP, who i really like . . . dunno . . . just an idea?
Posted 4/23/2010 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Now that's what I need! 15 minutes with them!
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