Small Business Benefits
Published by Trustmark Small Business Benefits on March 30th, 2021
When a patient receives a new medical diagnosis or must make a decision about a treatment plan, seeking an additional opinion is commonplace and a healthy step to take. Online medical second opinion services can confirm a diagnosis, offer information about treatment options and, if surgery is an option, help a patient decide whether that is the right course for them to take. The American Cancer Society says a medical second opinion also helps patients be sure they have explored all options.
Determining the best treatment option can be challenging. According to a study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Mayo Clinic reported that up to 88 percent of patients who used the clinic’s second opinion services received a new or refined diagnosis – changing their care plan and potentially their lives. Only 12 percent received confirmation that the original diagnosis was complete and correct. Knowing this, patients facing a serious illness or those whose doctor has recommended surgery, such as a hip replacement, may want to consider using a medical second opinion service.
Why should a patient get a second opinion?
Northwestern Medicine says it may be time to use a second opinion service when:
While some patients are concerned that they will insult their doctor by requesting a second opinion, that is simply not the case. The Second Opinion Program at New York Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Surgery Department says getting a second opinion is standard practice. Many doctors agree that patients should advocate for their own healthcare. Getting a second opinion can be an important part of that process for many reasons, including because new treatment options may be available and specialists could be located outside a patient’s community.
What is Included Health?
Our health benefit plan designs offer access to a second opinion through Included Health. Advantages include:
This article is part of our Healthy Foundations® Wellness Newsletter.
Included Health is included with our self-funded major medical and limited medical plan designs and is not an affiliate of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., or Trustmark Life Insurance Company.
Why is a medical second opinion important?
Determining the best treatment option can be challenging. According to a study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Mayo Clinic reported that up to 88 percent of patients who used the clinic’s second opinion services received a new or refined diagnosis – changing their care plan and potentially their lives. Only 12 percent received confirmation that the original diagnosis was complete and correct. Knowing this, patients facing a serious illness or those whose doctor has recommended surgery, such as a hip replacement, may want to consider using a medical second opinion service.
Why should a patient get a second opinion?
Northwestern Medicine says it may be time to use a second opinion service when:
- A patient is uncertain about undergoing surgery or a major medical procedure.
- A patient has received an unclear or confusing diagnosis or has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
- Experimental or novel treatment has been recommended.
- A patient is being treated for multiple and/or chronic conditions.
- There is a wide range of costs for recommended tests or treatment.
While some patients are concerned that they will insult their doctor by requesting a second opinion, that is simply not the case. The Second Opinion Program at New York Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Surgery Department says getting a second opinion is standard practice. Many doctors agree that patients should advocate for their own healthcare. Getting a second opinion can be an important part of that process for many reasons, including because new treatment options may be available and specialists could be located outside a patient’s community.
What is Included Health?
Our health benefit plan designs offer access to a second opinion through Included Health. Advantages include:
- Convenient process for an online medical second opinion
- No additional cost to members
- No travel required.
This article is part of our Healthy Foundations® Wellness Newsletter.
Included Health is included with our self-funded major medical and limited medical plan designs and is not an affiliate of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., or Trustmark Life Insurance Company.
Share
Author
Written by Trustmark Small Business Benefits
We believe all businesses – regardless of size – deserve affordable, tailored health plan solutions that match their goals and help employees thrive. We deliver big benefits for small business.
Topics
Trustmark® and Trustmark Small Business Benefits® are trademarks of Trustmark Insurance Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, which are not affiliates of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and Trustmark Life Insurance Company.
Plan design availability and/or coverage may vary by state. Plans are administered by Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and stop-loss insurance and ancillary coverage are provided by Trustmark Life Insurance Company.
Plan design availability and/or coverage may vary by state. Plans are administered by Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and stop-loss insurance and ancillary coverage are provided by Trustmark Life Insurance Company.