Cardiac Second Opinion: Exploring Your Options

Some choices in life are clear, but when faced with a serious illness you want to be sure no stone is left unturned in finding your best possible treatment options. Sometimes, that means seeking a second opinion. The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center now offers a program that allows cardiac patients to learn more about their condition and receive advanced treatment and attention, if necessary.

The Cardiac Second Opinion Program provides a coordinated, efficient way for patients to have a Medical College of Wisconsin cardiologist and/or cardiac surgeon review their diagnosis, treatment options and tests they received at another healthcare facility. "The point of the entire program is to allow people with cardiac disease timely access to an appointment with a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon. We guarantee that, if necessary, you can get in within 24-48 hours because some patients' conditions require urgent attention," said Karl Raaum, Executive Director of the Heart & Vascular Institute for Froedtert & The Medical College. "Whether you want to confirm a treatment plan or want to find out more options, we are there to assist you in planning the next step," he said.

Why a Second Opinion?
There are a number of reasons why patients seek a second opinion. One patient might be wondering if a different medication might improve her symptoms, while a second patient has questions about the benefits of surgery vs. other options. Another might be interested in finding out if he is a candidate for a clinical trial.

There are two primary reasons why most patients have come to the Second Opinion Program, Raaum said. "For many of those who come here, it is to validate what they have already been told about their condition. Or, it may be because they are just not comfortable with the first physician - and that is very important," he said.

Individuals may be uneasy about seeking an opinion from someone other than their current physician, but that should not be the case, Raaum said. "Patients may feel intimidated or embarrassed about talking to another physician, but most physicians would encourage their patients to do so," he said.

"People need to realize that they cannot risk their health just because they are worried about hurting their doctor's feelings. Asking for a second opinion doesn't mean that you think the first diagnosis was wrong or that you doubt your doctor. Most physicians want their patients to be well informed," Raaum said.

In addition, you may want to share the information you receive from your second opinion with your primary physician. It is in your best interest that all of your doctors know all the facts about your health.

"We have been quite happy with the program. In fact, our success is better than what we expected," Raaum said. Feedback has been excellent, he noted.

"There are outstanding doctors with great skills and patients can avail themselves of the latest technology and the opportunity to take part in potential research protocols. In addition, we believe we provide excellent customer service," Raaum said.

Asking Questions
Whether making a first visit or meeting with a physician for a second opinion, certain questions can provide patients with vital information about their treatment options. Having a list of questions to ask your health care provider is a useful tool to help you get all the information you need to make important choices. Questions might include:

• What is my diagnosis?
• What does it mean?
• What caused my problem?
• What tests are going to be done? Why?
• What are my treatment choices?
• What are the risks, benefits or side effects of these treatment choices?
• What can I do to improve my health?

Scheduling Your Second Opinion
At the Cardiac Second Opinion Program, patients need to use just one Access Center telephone number to schedule all necessary appointments and follow-up care. A nurse coordinator works with patients to review their cases, schedule a consultation with a physician and schedule any necessary tests. The nurse will ask for some in-depth information regarding diagnosis, previous diagnostic testing and previous treatment. Knowing this information will help minimize any additional or duplicate testing.

Appointments are scheduled based on a patient's needs, with most patients meeting with a physician within 72 hours. Second opinions are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. These companies have acknowledged the importance of second opinions. For more information or an appointment, call (414) 805-3666.

"A second opinion can ease your mind and could prevent unnecessary treatment or surgery," said Raaum. "We believe that a second opinion is an important resource for every patient. It's one good way for you and your family to get answers to your questions and more information about your treatment options."

JoAnn Petaschnick
HealthLink Contributing Writer

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.