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Do doctors get offended when you get a second opinion?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/2/2010 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I went to Mayo last fall. I'm having problems now and need to see a doctor. I'm nervous to make an appt. with my old doctor because I feel like he will be offended that I got a second opinion. Any thoughts?

Thanks so much

 

Posted 4/2/2010 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
If he has a problem with you going elsewhere you should ditch him. Any Doc that gets offended when you get a second opinion thinks that they know it all(and believe me they don't). I have the utmost respect for my colorectal surgeon as he told me to get a second opinion. He felt it would be better to get more minds in the game. Now I just have to find a GI who feels the same way...
Posted 4/2/2010 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
How does he know you went to Mayo?
I think it's human nature to feel something when someone doesn't take your opinion as the last word but a good doctor will be interested in learning what you found out.
The fact that you are worried about what he will think makes me think that you might need a more sympatico doctor.

But if he doesn't know you've been "seeing someone else" don't tell him. The important thing is to talk to a doctor now that you need one, a new one if necessary.
Posted 4/2/2010 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I been down this road. There is a good chance you will throw up some red flags if you ask to have your records transfered to your old DR from your current DR. Not that there is anything wrong with getting a second opinion or you maybe wanting to go back to your old DR.

You can hire and fire DR's as you please. but if you ask your current GI's office to transfer records/xrays over to a new clinic don't be surprised if your current GI's office gives you a hard time or starts to give you attitude. Yes, you might PO your current GI. but its your decision who you want to treat you.

i am not too thrilled with my GI but the office staff is very pleasant, and gives me a ton of samples of medicine which would be hundreds of dollars. No generic. i win some and i lose some i suppose...

Simply, you can just not do a records transfer of any sorts. clean slate type of thing.
Posted 4/2/2010 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
i feel that sometime. but if the doctor still on his opinion , i'll tell him that i have much experience than you do with my uc , so share the condition with me
Posted 4/2/2010 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sure they are a little offended, they are human after all.
I would be offended if in my job they said, we want to check your assessment with another expert to be sure you are correct. Doesn't mean I could or should do anything about it...but it would taint the relationship.

So it's a balancing thing, is it worth affecting your relationship with a doctor you like and trust?
I suppose if you are thinking about it, then something is not quite right, so you do it.
Posted 4/2/2010 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I can understand you feeling uncomfortable but at the end of the day its your health. And if you felt it necessary to seek a second opinion then thats all that matters. I got a second opinion at a different hospital at the beginning of this year and its the best thing I've done since being diagnosed over 2 years ago.

Posted 4/2/2010 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Dont know about doctors but I work at a family owned automotive repair shop and I used to get offended when customers wanted to get a second opinion on our diagnosis. Fast forward five years of this and Ive came to the point where I dont care. I know theyll be back because our diagnosis and price is spot on.

Im sure the younger doctors might feel offended but the older ones are used to it. If not then they have a pretty big ego.
Posted 4/2/2010 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
OK, not sure what type of "problems" you are having now, but your choices are simple. Transfer your records over from Mayo and risk offending your old DR. or just start over on a clean slate with the old DR. and leave out the part that you sought a 2nd opinion at Mayo. even if it has been awhile since you seen your old DR.

Since you say you're having a "problem" NOW how great or useful are your records going to be from Mayo if transferred over? And they were from awhile ago too.

Really, I'd just start fresh with your "old" DR. Get a fresh C-Scope or whatever exams/bloodwork necessary and move on with life. A lot of patients don't see their GI's until they have a "problem" so unless you tell him "oh by the way..." he won't know. (or you transfer..) Hopefully you feel better soon.
Posted 4/2/2010 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
I know that my doctor here has the records because someone at Mayo said that they would be sending them (or a summary with their conclusions or something) I just feel wierd about it. I think I need to find a new doctor in the area. I don't know.

Micky

Posted 4/2/2010 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Wonder how your personal records got transferred without your consent..?? (I always need to sign paperwork/ hand-deliver in person saying I agree to transfers)
Posted 4/2/2010 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
What was the diagnosis and med regimen at the Mayo?

Go to your doctor......ask him is he's offended, go from there.

You can't assume until you ask.

My doctor does many second opinions, patients go back to their own doctors. It's information that you can use to create a better plan for treatment, etc.

q
Posted 4/3/2010 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I guess i am made differently because I could care less what my doc would think ... it's YOUR body and YOUR health so you only have to please yourself and give yourself peace of mind. If your doc has a problem with it, then you need a new one. Just go into your appointment and matter of factly share what the other doctors have said. if he says anything untoward, just tell him that you were exploring all options possible and leave it at that. If the doc doesn't leave it at that, ask him flat out what his problem is ... these days, you have to fight for your healthcare which is why I don't worry about offending anyone in the medical profession.
Posted 4/3/2010 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I am not too keen on my current doc, but he actually forced me to get a 2nd opinion.
Posted 4/3/2010 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
My first gastro doctor requested a second opinion when he hit a brick wall with my treatment.  I thought I was going for a consultation.  My gastro sent on my records (I did not sign anything but agreed).  I went there twice and it is too far for me to drive now with my husband's health.  I wish I could have stayed with him.

So, I called a group near home and ask if they were taking new patients.  She told me as soon as I had my records faxed or mailed to them - they would give me an appointment.  All done on the phone.  I did not want to go back to the original doctor as he had dismissed me as if he could do nothing more for me. 

I got the appointment with this group - a doctor who has been gastro specialist for 35 years and lectured much on the subject.  I see him June 1. I can drive there in 30 minuites or less and have friends who would take me if necessary.  Right now my husband is doing good but I would not leave him to go overnight again.

AND - by the way, it IS your body and sometimes we need more than one opinon - even three.  Even at the VA where my husband goes we call in others for consulation - you know what they say - two heads are better than one!!

ElaineNY

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