Common Myths Regarding Second Opinions

Second opinions are unnecessary - FALSE

According to the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA), an estimated 10%-20% of cases are misdiagnosed. To compound the issue, almost 30% of diagnostic mistakes were life threatening or had resulted in death or permanent disability. 

These days, we seek multiple opinions prior to making any decision in our lives. There are publications, websites and media outlets dedicated to providing you with critical information prior to making a decision. Why should your healthcare be treated any differently?

Consult a specialist for a second opinion to verify the initial diagnosis and treatment plan, and be secure in your decision.

Also, ask for a second opinion if you are considering alternative treatment options. No one understands your health better than yourself, and you should speak with different specialists to find a course of treatment with the best possible outcome as well as the best fit for you.

Second opinions will just add to my medical bills – FALSE

Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B will cover second opinion consults. In fact, Medicare Part B will even cover a third opinion if the first two opinions received differ.

Check with your insurance provider to make sure that you have coverage for second opinions.

My primary care physician will be upset if I ask for a second opinion - FALSE

The majority of physicians encourage their patients to seek multiple opinions prior to any big decisions.  According to University of Minnesota Oncologist Daniel Weisdorf, M.D., second opinions are “"a way of life" for physicians.

Having to seek a second opinion means that I have to get more tests done – FALSE

With Jack Imaging’s case management features, all of your medical records and images are securely stored and can be easily shared with specialists electronically. Your new provider may requests for new types of tests, but all previous exams and records can be shared to avoid repeat scans and tests.

Using Jack Imaging to consult with a specialist even eliminates the need for costly travel expenses. Receive a second opinion on diagnosis and/or treatment within a few days, all without having to leave your home.

Find out more at Jack Imaging. 

Guest Post: How Jack Imaging helps me manage my condition

Source

Today we share a guest post from one of our users, Sarah*. Sarah shares her experience with idiopathic condylar resorption and how Jack Imaging has helped her manage her condition. Read Sarah’s story below:

In the summer of 2012, an ordinary consultation to get my wisdom teeth removed led to a startling discovery.

“Do you know that you have idiopathic condylar resorption? Only your back molars touch,” stated the dental surgeon.

I replied, “No... I just thought food was extra tough to chew.”

And with this, my journey with idiopathic condylar resorption began. Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is defined by the Baylor University Medical Center as, “ a specific condition that affects the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJs) and most commonly occurs in teenage girls.” Because this doctor was specialized in wisdom teeth removal, I sought a second opinion and even a third. Both maxillofacial surgeons I saw informed me that surgery would be required lest with old age, I would deal with joint issues.

Before the preliminary steps to such a surgery can even be taken, it must be determined that the disease has been in remission for at least twelve months. Since there is no definitive way to determine whether or not resorption has ended, the area is observed biannually to see if there is any measurable change. As a result, every six months since my diagnosis, I have had X-rays taken of my jaw and the occlusal gap (overbite) is measured.

Source

Because of the need for constant monitoring of the disease, I have amassed numerous X-rays and other medical records in order to build a comprehensive portfolio of my condition. Previously, I would have to retrieve all these X-rays prior to each doctor’s visit, which became an increasingly tedious process as I amassed more medical images. With Jack Imaging, I am able to organize all of these medical images and monitor the progress of my condition chronologically. It has been two years since my diagnosis and I will soon begin the preparatory steps for my surgery. When the time comes to coordinate with an orthodontist for my pre-surgery preparation, I will be able to easily share my X-rays with him/her via Jack Imaging rather than bringing in my assorted medical image discs. After the surgery, I must continue to monitor the jaw joints via X-ray for about a year to ensure that the surgery was a success.

Rather than sending in a request to retrieve my medical images for viewing, I am now able to monitor my condition on my laptop using this online platform. I feel empowered knowing that I can keep track of my health from my own home. 

*name has been changed for privacy

Spotlight on: Treatment Diaries

Do you believe in shared healing? If you could share medical information online, anonymously, would you be willing to share more? 

Treatment Diaries thinks so. Treatment Diaries is an online patient community built at the intersection of personal health, privacy, and social communication. Hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world connect on Treatment Diaries to share their journey and bring insight into resources, treatment options and outcomes. The platform now serves as a way to bring personalized adherence, compliance and disease awareness materials to patients in a way that brings each individual closer to their center of their care. Treatment Diaries believes sharing health experiences can help lead to group healing and is one amazing organization paving the way for patient engagement online using social media.

Anonymous sharing, invaluable connections, and shared healing... where can you find out more? 

Join #treatdiarieschat on April 1st at 5pm PST / 8pm EST
and discuss the anonymous sharing of medical information

Next Tuesday, April 1st 2014, Jack Imaging will be co-hosting a tweet chat (#treatdiarieschat) with Treatment Diaries, so tune in to learn more about this vibrant community of patients and caretakers, and let us hear your thoughts on how healing can be achieved through shared health experiences. We'll also be discussing the pros and cons of sharing your medical images, the hurdles we face today in accessing our images, and managing imaging records with Jack Imaging.

It's going to be a great chat and we're looking forward to seeing you all there!

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