How U.S. Second Opinions Prevent Unnecessary Surgeries
Get expert medical guidance for your loved ones with a second opinion from U.S. doctors
Introduction:
If the proposed treatment plan is major surgery in the case of a life-threatening illness or a serious condition, seeking a second opinion aids in adding certainty. A second opinion can be helpful in exploring alternate treatment options and creating better treatment outcomes. The patient can ask questions and inquire about the benefits of the treatment options that help determine whether to proceed with the treatment plan or not.
With the help of virtual platforms, the patient can ask different questions and understand treatment options from the comfort of their home. Seeking medical advice online can offer benefits such as access to top-notch specialists and exploring wide treatment options. A study by a city-based medical second opinion service center in Mumbai found that 44% of the 12,500 patients were advised to undergo unnecessary surgery. Through getting a second opinion, patients came to know that the planned surgery was unnecessary.
The importance of a medical second opinion in preventing unnecessary surgeries:
Surgery is a major procedure that can impact your life in many ways. Surgery is considered the last treatment option when conservative treatment approaches fail. A second opinion can help in the analysis of the recommended surgical procedure and also help to explore non-surgical treatment options. Surgery is associated with risks, but performing it unnecessarily can lead to even more complications. It is possible to manage conditions such as lower back pain with conservative management. Lifestyle modifications and physical exercises can resolve back pain more effectively.
Doctors recommend spinal fusion for back pain. Evidence suggests that 20% to 40% of the patients experienced pain after the surgery. According to a study, patients suffered from pain after total knee arthroplasty. Patients face major challenges due to overtreatment.
Still, many doctors recommend invasive surgery that can be associated with certain risks. Due to psychological stress, patients will decide to move forward with the suggested treatment. By getting a second opinion, it is possible to confirm whether the suggested treatment is necessary.
Why are U.S. second opinions relevant for Indian patients?
Patients who are suffering from chronic illness and are bedridden might not be able to travel to distant sites for consultation. With the help of telemedicine platforms, it is easy to obtain a second opinion from US-trained physicians. The US second opinion can aid in providing less invasive treatment options for chronic diseases. This process helps patients make informed decisions.
The importance of a radiologist's second opinion:
Radiologists can easily detect fractures and analyze the progress of the condition through the interpretation of X-rays. When X-rays are not accurately diagnosed, it can lead to inappropriate treatments. A radiology second opinion can lower the risks of surgery and its associated consequences. Along with the clinical symptoms, imaging tests also help the specialist to provide a medical opinion.
The diagnosis must be confirmed, particularly in chronic conditions. Misdiagnosis can affect the treatment plan, which can even result in the death of the patient.
Conclusion:
A second opinion can play a major role in improving the confidence of the patients by providing alternative treatment modalities. By getting a second opinion, it is possible to understand whether a suggested major surgery is essential or not. Emerging telemedicine platforms make it possible to connect with top specialists without having to travel.
Major surgeries are recommended for serious conditions/life-threatening illnesses where the role of seeking a second opinion predominates. Surgeries can be associated with complications that put patients at risk. An expert medical opinion can provide you with a brief understanding of various available treatment options.
Trusted platforms like My American Doctor connect patients with top specialists and get their medical advice online without the need to travel. These services give people more faith in their treatment options, which makes sure they get the safest and most effective care. Utilizing second opinions from top specialists allows patients to make smarter decisions regarding their healthcare.
At My American Doctor, we put international patients in touch with the top U.S. doctors so that they can get skilled medical advice. You or your loved one can get the best possible care through our platform, which gives you safe and easy access to top medical professionals. Don’t leave your loved one’s health to uncertainty—seek a second opinion today!
References:
- Using telehealth for cross-border care. International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ) [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Mar 17]; Available from: https://www.itij.com/latest/long-read/using-telehealth-cross-border-care
- Yanamadala V. Solving the epidemic of unnecessary surgery. Sword Health [Internet]. 2022 Oct 27 [cited 2025 Mar 17]; Available from: https://swordhealth.com/newsroom/solving-the-epidemic-of-unnecessary-surgery
- Devlin H. Overdiagnosis: some breast cancer treatments may have been unnecessary, study suggests. The Guardian [Internet]. 2022 Jun 9 [cited 2025 Mar 17]; Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/09/overdiagnosis-some-breast-cancer-treatments-may-have-been-unnecessary-study-suggests
- Patel K. India-US relations: Healthcare. Brookings Institution [Internet]. 2016 Jun 3 [cited 2025 Mar 17]; Available from: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/india-us-relations-healthcare/
- Second Opinions. Seeing beyond the scan: second opinions in radiology. Second Opinions [Internet]. 2024 Feb 1 [cited 2025 Mar 17]; Available from: https://www.secondopinions.com/blog/seeing-beyond-the-scan-second-opinions-in-radiology/