From time to time, seniors might receive a medical diagnosis that they weren’t expecting, or one that they feel unsure about, or possibly even disagree with. Medical issues and diagnoses can be complex, often requiring invasive tests and procedures, and sometimes surgery.
The great thing about medical care is that you are always able to get a second opinion, which might help solidify a treatment plan of action or change the course of treatment they are already receiving in some cases.
Ask around
Your senior receiving elder care at home deserves the best care, so ask around for referrals to doctors or specialists that can offer you the second opinion that you and your senior parent or loved one desires. You will want a doctor that is not affiliated with the practice that you currently use, so asking your senior’s current doctor for a referral may not be the best way to go about getting another opinion.
Call your insurance company
Before you make an appointment with another provider for a second opinion, call your insurance company to see if it is something that is covered. Even if it isn't, you can still get a second opinion, but will have to pay for it out of pocket which is something you can decide on if applicable.
Don’t “feel bad”
Second opinions in the medical world are a normal thing, so don’t worry about upsetting or offending your senior’s doctor or physician when you let them know that you are looking for another opinion. Coming up with a plan for a serious disease or illness is important and it is not something that you want to proceed with unless you are absolutely comfortable with the course of action.
Get access to your records
When you do find a facility or physician to take a look at your senior’s records or meet with them to discuss their concerns, you can save time by having their charts and test results sent over ahead of time. Call your senior’s current office and ask them the procedure for sending over their records and whether there is any kind of fee for that. Be polite but know that it is a perfectly normal request and they should have no inabilities to send over your senior’s information, with their permission of course, to wherever they want it to go.
Being firm and confident, calling around and getting referrals, and having their records sent over in advance are all ways that you and your senior can feel like you are making the right choice when choosing to look for a second opinion after a medical diagnosis.
Your senior deserves to understand their medical condition and feel good about any treatment options that they are faced with. If they are feeling at all confused, unsure, or doubtful about a diagnosis they have received from their medical professional, it may be time to look into getting a second opinion.
If you are unable to take your senior loved one to second-opinion appointments, an elder care provider can offer transportation and companionship during the uncertain waiting times. Consider elder care for your parent for other needs as well, including ambulatory assistance, light cooking and cleaning, and medication reminders.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN KANNAPOLIS, NC, PLEASE CALL THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS HOME CARE. WE SERVE CLIENTS IN MOORESVILLE, STATESVILLE, DAVIDSON, CORNELIUS, HUNTERSVILLE, DENVER, CONCORD, KANNAPOLIS, AND THE CHARLOTTE METRO AREA. CALL TODAY: (704) 286-0933.
