Getting a second opinion from another expert is a valuable option for our patients when they face a complex decision-making process, especially when a cardiac intervention is advised. No doubt, it is their fundamental rights too.But the problem is, it is very hard for if the second opinion is sought regarding indication for coroanry or interventional procedure It is much, much easier to concur with them, even if it is against the conscience. Vetoing a procedure which was advised by some big hospitals is almost impossible for cardiologists sitting at their office, however experienced they may be. This is because it is sort of going against the mainstream herd and defying science as well. Both doctors and physicians are stuck.
I confront such situations often from patients after big hospital consults. I had been forthright and genuine and said a firm no or yes to many such procedures . I understood much later that only a minority of the patients followed my No advice , invariably they accepted my yes. After much confabulations , recently, I have made some recalbarations on my values, (decent term for compromise ) despite all the ethical stuff I write in these columns. But, three things I ensure , to tell the patient .
“This procedure is not indicated in the true sense, but 1.If you lack trust, or 2. You are not ready to accept the risks of not doing it, or 3. if the fear of not going for it, is going to nag you constantly, then get it done as per the advice of your big guys”.
Final message
Very soon, getting a second* or even third opinion may not really matter as long as doctors are silently captured by the big scientific syndicates. Until we acquire the expertise and courage to identify and ignore the science that is running amok, we certainly fall under the tag of medically incompetent.
*Caution and clarification
Second clinical opinion for helping to arrive at a medcial diagnosis is of immense value and a great thing to do. In fact, doctors themselves ask for it when they are in doubt. This article is about second opinion regarding the appropriateness of various interventional procedures that is defining modern medicine.
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 