If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to know which injuries you sustained and your long-term prognosis. You must receive accurate information about your diagnosis so you can receive the proper medical treatment, and your San Antonio auto accident lawyer can know your long-term needs. If you don’t agree with your initial doctor’s diagnosis, you may be able to seek a second medical opinion.
What Is a Second Medical Opinion?
A second medical opinion is an opinion from a different healthcare provider than the patient originally saw after they received a diagnosis or treatment plan. The original doctor may have been a primary doctor, and the second may be a specialist or other qualified healthcare provider.
What Are the Benefits of Second Medical Opinions?
Seeking a second medical opinion can provide several benefits, including the following:
- Getting an accurate diagnosis if the first one was wrong
- Confirming a diagnosis
- Obtaining a different perspective on the injury
- Increasing confidence in making decisions
- Anticipating future medical needs more accurately
- Gaining access to additional medical treatments
What Types of Injuries Warrant a Second Opinion?
Any injury that could cause long-term complications or may necessitate future medical treatment is worth getting a second opinion for. These injuries could include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Herniated discs and other spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Complex fractures
- Severe burns
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
How to Get a Second Opinion
A second opinion from a qualified healthcare professional can help clarify your injuries and treatment plan. You can seek a second opinion by asking your primary care physician or insurance company for a referral to a qualified specialist. Provide your medical records, including test results, to the doctor who is providing a second opinion.
The doctor providing the second opinion may perform a physical evaluation and run diagnostic tests. They may ask you questions about your symptoms and response to treatment. They also review any medical records you provide them.
They provide their assessment of your condition and recommendations for treatment.
You may be required to pay for this assessment out of pocket, and insurance coverage may not always cover the cost.
Additional Ways You Can Support Your Injury Claim
There are other ways that you can support your San Antonio injury claim, including:
- Obtaining your complete medical record and providing it to your attorney
- Choosing a board-certified doctor in the relevant specialty
- Documenting all conversations, findings, and recommendations from your doctors
- Keeping a pain journal in which you document your daily symptoms and setbacks
- Consulting with an experienced attorney to review the second opinion and medical records
- Filing your personal injury claim within the statute of limitations
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Help with Your Case
If you’d like to know whether you should seek a second medical opinion after an accident, contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have a network of experts we can call upon to provide additional support for your case. We can help connect you with qualified medical experts and build a solid legal claim on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case review.