THR Question about surgeons

Puggles

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Hi, and happy Tuesday everyone! :oyvey:
Question---on several threads, it says that if we were
to consult with different surgeons, they should NOT know one another; "not
even golf buddies." I'm so curious why it would matter if they were close friends,
OR just aquaintances---for example, they both belong to a
professional organization and chat once a year while dining on horrible
food while pretending
to listen to a boring speaker.

I'm assuming it's an ethical / competition issue, but it seems as though it could be
helpful, because they'd both know the patient's history. Also, in smaller
cities, aren't the odds high that surgeons in the same specialty might be pals?

OR, if they're not
allowed to discuss patients due to HIPPA, then why would it matter if they
were friends?

Thanks! :)
 
I'm so curious why it would matter if they were close friends,
OR just acquaintances---for example, they both belong to a
professional organization and chat once a year while dining on horrible
food while pretending to listen to a boring speaker.

I'm assuming it's an ethical / competition issue, but it seems as though it could be
helpful, because they'd both know the patient's history.
The main reason is because, for a truly independent second opinion, you want a surgeon who will look at your limb with new eyes and who will not be influenced by the opinions of the original surgeon.

Surgeons who only meet once a year or so would be OK.

The situation you want to try and avoid is where the surgeon talks to his colleague about your problem and says what he thinks or, even worse, says something like "She thinks she's got a problem, but I think she's just over-reacting. . ." . Comments like that could influence the second surgeon's attitude to your problem and prevent you from getting a truly independent opinion.
 
Celle
Great response, I am thinking how the oS I am being sent to for my second opinion is my OS’s old boss and they talk all the time...I know this because my OS told me. Now the second OS is a great OS, he took care of my knees years back, but I am starting to be concerned about how much they talk. Sorry to say, both these doctors have made comments about “women” feeling more “sensitive “.........
unfortunately because I am part of an HMO, it’s hard to go outside to get another opinion without it costing much. They make it very difficult to get reimbursed.
Celle, any advice on how to ask if the second opinion is without prejudice? I just need help getting fixed. Thank you
 
I am part of an HMO, it’s hard to go outside to get another opinion without it costing much.
You can call around and ask about a cash discount, paid in full the day of service. Some offices give a generous discount.
Hopefully you will be happy with your 2nd opinion and do not have to look further.
 
@Puggles HIPAA rules do not apply to medical providers discussing a patient's medical conditions and treatment with other medical providers when done for the purpose of coordinating care, getting a consultation about treatment or diagnoses, or sharing information to insure continuity of care.

@roseynosey Yes getting a 2nd unbiased opinion in an HMO setting can be a challenge as every surgeon with in the HMO in your area probably knows every other surgeon -- though they would not necessarily be good friends. BUT you can ask for a 2nd opinion and ask (either your current surgeon or your primary care doctor) for referral to a surgeon who has the most experience with your particular issues/problems. You can request also ( though depending on your area and particular HMO rules it might not be granted) an outside referral to a surgeon who is not in the HMO system. Sometimes - when a specialist is needed - the HMOs have a list of out side providers who have a contract with the HMO to provide services. I worked for my HMO for 24+ years and worked in a department (not orthopedics) that did have outside providers for specialized services.
 

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