- Movie Revenue: Medical Professionals Need to Be More Aware of Second Opinions
Are surgery necessary, could a consultant visit be an option for a catheter procedure, or perhaps medication could suffice? Different doctors might have varying views on this. However, not many patients in Baden-Württemberg seek out a second opinion or consult another physician before an operation, as per recent findings. This could be due to the fact that not enough doctors are highlighting this option, suggests the representative of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in Baden-Württemberg.
Since 2019, patients have had the chance, at no extra cost to them, to get a second opinion on certain planned operations through their statutory health insurance.
Last year, around 7,000 patients in the southwest were informed by healthcare professionals about the possibility of a second opinion. This primarily concerned knee joint replacements (around 2,000), shoulder arthroscopies (1,800), and spine surgeries (1,600). Yet, this is in comparison to the approximately 150,000 operations performed, for which such a secondary opinion opportunity was available.
Patients are not obligated to accept this offer
As per Nadia Mussa, the head of the TK Baden-Württemberg representative office, treating doctors are required, under certain circumstances, to inform patients at least ten days prior to the operation that a consultation with a qualified professional is possible. This consultation can then be accepted or declined.
"Legal opportunities should be used to minimize unnecessary operations and related risks as much as possible," said Mussa. Patients do not even need to visit a clinic for this. "The second opinion can also be obtained via video consultation." Medical professionals will provide all necessary findings for the second opinion upon request.
TK's data does not show why information is distributed sparingly in medical practices. "We still do not have a strong second opinion culture in Germany. The awareness of this option needs to spread," said Hubert Forster, spokesman for the TK Baden-Württemberg representative office. "The benefits are clear."
The hospital association Baden-Württemberg (BWKG) shares this view. "I believe every patient has the right to seek a second opinion before a planned surgical procedure," said BWKG CEO Matthias Einwag. This allows for an informed decision on whether to proceed with the procedure or not. "It's not about avoiding procedures as much as possible, but finding the best solution for the affected individual," he added.
From Winfried Plötze's perspective, the head of Barmer health insurance in Baden-Württemberg, patients should consistently exercise their right to a second opinion. The expertise of specialists improves overall medical care. "Seeking a second opinion is not a criticism of the treating doctor," said Plötze. "It is an expression of the autonomy of patients who increasingly want to participate in decisions that impact their health."
This offer applies only to specific procedures
For example, a second assessment is applicable in the case of mandible surgeries, hysterectomies, certain amputations, and the implantation of a pacemaker. Emergency operations, however, are exempt.
Second opinions must be provided by highly skilled and independent experts and require approval from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Currently, around 200 physicians in Baden-Württemberg offer this service, with the majority (55) for shoulder joint arthroscopies and another 54 for artificial knee joint implantations. According to TK, seven physicians are currently available for a second opinion prior to hip replacement surgery.
Given the text, here are two sentences that contain the word 'Hospital':
The opportunity for a second opinion on certain planned operations is available at no extra cost to patients through their statutory health insurance. This means patients can seek advice from another physician or consultant, even if it's not necessary to change hospitals.
