A problem with your shoulder can make normal actions extremely uncomfortable, so it’s important that you connect with your primary care physician or a shoulder specialist in order to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. But is that one examination enough, or is it worth it to seek out a second opinion? In today’s blog, we share some of the reasons why it may be worthwhile to get a second opinion on your shoulder.
Do I Need A Second Opinion?
A second opinion can never hurt, but at the same time, you don’t want to waste your time and money going to unnecessary medical appointments, so when is a second opinion really worth it? Here are some instances when it’s a good idea to seek out a second opinion for your shoulder issue:
- Surgery Is Recommended – One of the most common reasons to seek out a second opinion is if your first specialist recommends a surgical operation. That’s not to say that we think their opinion is wrong, but surgery is a major undertaking that should not be taken lightly. It makes sense to have a second set of trained eyes take a look at your shoulder. If they see the same thing, then you’ll have confidence that you’re moving forward with the right treatment, and if they think conservative care could work, you may be able to avoid an operation.
- Treatment Has Been Ineffective – If you’ve been diagnosed with a specific shoulder issue but are not seeing much progress with your treatment plan, it may be worthwhile to seek out a second opinion. Maybe something was missed, or maybe a second set of eyes could approach the problem in a new way. If you’re struggling to make real progress, consider getting a second opinion.
- Complex Issue – If you’ve been told that you have a complex or highly unique shoulder issue, it’s probably a good idea to consider a second opinion. While every patient is different, certain issues are pretty standard because they are seen pretty frequently, like rotator cuff tearing or shoulder arthritis. If you are told that your condition is rare or something that your provider hasn’t seen very frequently, it may be smart to have another professional take a look just to confirm that you’re moving forward with the right treatment plan.
- Something Just Feels Off – You want to have the utmost confidence in the surgeon performing your operation, so if something feels off, you have unanswered questions or you simply don’t have confidence that your first surgeon can deliver what you need, go ahead and get a second opinion. If you just don’t feel like it’s a good fit, set up a second opinion with a different provider.
- You Want A Second Opinion – Simply put, if you want a second opinion, go out and get one. As we mentioned above, surgery is a major undertaking for your body and you shouldn’t take this decision lightly. If you want peace of mind knowing that you have an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, set up a second opinion. No worthwhile surgeon will ever be offended by a patient saying that they would like to seek out a second opinion, because they know how important it is to treat the problem correctly the first time.
Dr. Holloway and his team have provided countless initial and second opinions, and he’d be more than happy to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to ensure that you get the treatment plan that’s right for you. For answers to any questions you have, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Holloway, give his office a call today at (865) 410-7887.
