Do Physicians Try to Avoid Second Opinions?
February 2nd, 2010
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A few months ago I performed an inpatient consultation on a non-incarcerated patient. His psychiatric care was being managed by a neurologist in another community.
I was shocked and disappointed when his family informed me that the neurologist told them that if the patient sought a medical opinion elsewhere, the neurologist would no longer treat the patient.
Even on a bad day I cannot fathom exuding such arrogance and insecurity! Hopefully this doctor’s attitude about second opinions is the exception and not the rule among physicians. However, this situation sparked my curiosity about second opinions.
Throughout my career, I’ve often encouraged my patients to obtain second opinions, either when Read more…
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