Patients sometimes seek a second opinion after receiving a diagnosis for a musculoskeletal condition. There can be a number of different reasons for this but peace of mind is one of the primary ones. Before you embark on a programme of treatment – which might include surgery that can carry risk or may have a lengthy recovery time – it is important to know that you have received the correct diagnosis.
How does a second opinion save time and money?
Many patients do not realise, however, that a second opinion can also save them time and money. The reason for this is that undergoing private imaging scans comes at a cost – both financial and in terms of a person’s time. Additionally, radiologists do not recommend performing any more scans than are absolutely necessary for health reasons.
If there is a question mark over ongoing treatment, sometimes further scans may be suggested. However, seeking a second opinion from an expert radiologist means the scans that have been taking in the preceding six to 12 months can be reviewed and in many cases used to provide answers to clinical questions. This means patients don’t have to find the time to attend further appointments for diagnostic imaging, neither do they need to pay for additional scans. In some cases, of course, it may be deemed important for you to undergo further scans in order to pinpoint issues or clarify areas of uncertainty.
Are there any other benefits?
There are many different circumstances when a second opinion can be valuable, besides offering peace of mind. Sometimes a patient may be dissatisfied with their original diagnosis or believe that something important has been missed. If treatment is not producing the expected results, a second opinion may help to uncover the reason for this. Sometimes a patient may want a specialist radiologist to review their scan results and offer their opinion.
It is not just patients who may seek a second opinion. At times, clinicians may find a second opinion helpful to confirm or challenge a diagnosis, or private health insurers may request it. If the original scan was carried out overseas, the opinion of a UK-based radiologist can sometimes be helpful.
Will asking for a second opinion affect my treatment?
One of the reasons patients sometimes have for being reluctant to seek a second opinion is that they are concerned about upsetting their current consultant or somehow impacting their treatment. However, it is routine for healthcare professionals to seek (and provide) second opinions to confirm a diagnosis or course of treatment, so such concerns are needless.
Why does W27 offer a second opinion service?
W27 is frequently asked to provide a second opinion due to the experience and expertise of our specialist lead radiologist, Dr Basu.
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.
How does it work?
The process of seeking a second opinion is straightforward. Here at W27 we receive requests via phone, email or through our website.
Scans are sent electronically to Dr Basu and encrypted according to GDPR guidelines. Once received, the scans are analysed by Dr Basu. A report will be sent to you by secure email within 48 hours, fully encrypted so only you can read it. This will contain a diagnosis and detailed recommendations on managing the 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.
A second opinion can help ensure that you have the correct diagnosis and, consequently, are receiving the most appropriate treatment. Ultimately, this can make a significant difference to outcomes.
For more information visit our Getting a Second Opinion web 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.
