Does living in a remote location mean you are likely to have worse health outcomes?
Researchers conducted a review of travel time and distance to healthcare among adults in global north countries in 2016. The results were published in the British Medical Journal. Seventy seven per cent of studies found evidence that patients who lived further away from facilities had worse health outcomes than those who lived closer.
The findings weren’t absolutely consistent in every case, but there was sufficient evidence for researchers to conclude that a relationship between living further away and experiencing worse health outcomes can’t be ruled out.
How we support people in remote locations
All of us have become more used to online healthcare this year and one of the ways that W27 is able to support people in remote locations is through its online second opinion service. This gives people access to the same high level of musculoskeletal diagnostic expertise irrespective of where they live.
Right now, when vulnerable people need to self-isolate, seeking a second opinion in this way means they can get the help they need and begin planning their treatment without unnecessary delays. While W27’s consultant radiologist, Dr Subhasis Basu is based in Manchester, he can offer diagnostic and treatment advice whether you are in St Ives or The Shetland Isles.
In the past, obtaining a second opinion might have meant travelling to a regional centre of excellence – with all the associated time and costs.
Now, however, it is as simple as requesting a second opinion via our website.
Why ask for a second opinion?
There can be a number of different reasons why people who have been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition might request a second opinion. The most common is peace of mind. You want to know that your diagnosis is the correct one before embarking on a programme of treatment that might carry risks or may have a lengthy recovery time.
Some people seek a second opinion because they are unhappy with their original diagnosis or think that something may have been missed. For others, it is simply that they want a highly specialist radiologist to take a look at their scans and offer their opinion.
If you have begun a programme of treatment and the results are not what you were expecting, seeking a second opinion can confirm that the treatment you are having is actually the correct approach for your condition.
In certain cases, a clinician might request a second opinion to confirm or challenge their own diagnosis, while insurers may also ask for it in some instances. People whose original scans were done overseas might want a second opinion from a UK-based radiologist.
In most cases, a second opinion (if needed) can also save you time and money.
Do I need to have more scans?
Seeking a second opinion means that you don’t have to undergo further scans and this is an important advantage as clinicians advise against all but essential scans.
Not only that but having to have further diagnostic tests takes time and costs money. In some instances, Dr Basu may recommend further scans but only if absolutely necessary.
Will requesting a second opinion affect my treatment?
Sometimes patients can be reluctant to seek a second opinion in case it impacts their treatment or offends their current medical team.
However, healthcare professionals are used to be asked for second opinions, as well as to providing them. They will be happy for you to request it and it will not affect your treatment in any way.
How does it work?
If you would like a second opinion, you simply need to go to the relevant page on the W27 website and click Make an Enquiry. This will take you through to an online enquiry form or you may prefer to call us to book your second opinion.
You will not need to attend the clinic as your original scans will be sent electronically to Dr Basu and encrypted according to GDPR guidelines. Once received, the scans will be analysed by Dr Basu and a report will be sent to you by secure email within 48 hours, fully encrypted so that only you can read it. It will contain a diagnosis and detailed recommendations on managing your condition. It is important to discuss this report with a doctor who can then advise on next steps. If further scans are required, W27 can provide state-of-the-art radiology testing at a range of locations to suit you. Alternatively, you are free to arrange your own scans at a place and time of your choice.
Why consult Dr Basu
W27’s specialist lead radiologist, Dr Basu delivers our second opinion service. His multidisciplinary approach to patient care means he is accustomed to working closely with other specialist surgeons and clinicians and his role as a researcher, specialist speaker and reviewer for articles to leading orthopaedic and radiology journals means he is fully up to date with current thinking and research.
If you would like to arrange a second opinion go to our Getting a Second Opinion page.
MUSCULOSKELETAL TREATMENT | MANCHESTER, WIGAN, CHESHIRE + MORE
W27 provides fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions using the latest state-of-the-art imaging facilities.
For your appointment there is a choice of locations:
The John Charnley Wing, Wrightington Hospital – Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9EP
HCA Manchester Institute of Health & Performance – 299 Alan Turing Way, Manchester, M11 3BS
Euxton Hall Hospital – Wigan Road, Euxton, Chorley, PR7 6DY
The Spire Manchester – 170 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2AF
European Scanning Centre – 10-11 Bulstrode Place, London W1U 2HX
The OrthTeam Centre Ohm Building – 168 Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M20 2AF
Information about our Fees can be found here.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options with a specialist, please contact the team to book an initial consultation.
