Am I the only one who sees the problem with this?

[Friday]

This is about a personal issue so I have no source besides my own experience.

I have Degenerative disk disease and have had back/neck problems for a number of years. I have been dealing with my ins red tape and finally got to see a neurosurgeon. Due to the lack of improvement with more conservative treatment she recommended surgery. I contact my primary doctor and requested a referral for a second opinion. My medical group referred me to the partner of the doc that suggested surgery. I have spent the last month trying to get a referral to another surgeon and no one seems to understand why I have a problem with the surgeons partner giving a second opinion.

Is it just me? Am I being to picky? I used to work for a docs office with 2 partners and they would have never seen each others patients for a second surgical opinion. The office manager told me it was completely unethical.

What do you think?

[Talee]

 I am with you, no you are not too picky. I think two Drs working together would have many of the same ideas...so why get a second opinion from the partner...that would make no sense to me.

[momandvet]

Ah the joys of our "wonderful" health care system. 

Keep fighting, no reason to jump into such a risky surgery so lightly.  Is the issue a lack of providers in the area?   Can you see someone further out?

[sentric]

I don't think it's picky, it's your body and you have a say when it comes to your health. I would demand to see a Dr in another office. Then if they dont want to hear your concerns I would find all new Dr and would let them know that is you intention the next time you talk to them.

I would be the picky one, I was a push over for two many years, and will stand up for what i think is right, can't camble with your health.

[stormcris]

I probably would have a problem with it. However, I have been to see two doctors within the same office and their treatment plans were completely different. But, that is rare and it would be hard to get any long term partners to do the same.

[JoshiRachelsMom]

 

Quoting Friday:

 My medical group referred me to the partner of the doc that suggested surgery.

What do you think?

It's a problem concerning ethics. Dr. #2 is a partner of Dr. #1, same office, not really an unbiased second opinion. Both doctors are covered under your plan - technically another ethical issue. You can argue that the insurance company is more concerned with their bottom $line$ than with you getting an honest, unbiased second opinion.

You can also choose to go out of network to get a second opinion and pay out of pocket, then submit the bill to your insurance company for re-imbursement.

 

[rfourangels]

I agree with the post about going out of network and paying yourself. Submit the bill yourself. You may or may not get reimbursed, depending on your plan. But, it seems it is more about reimbursement. I wouldn't really say it's about "ethics". It all depends on they type of plan you have, and there are certain agreements within those plans.

So take it in your own hands.

[Friday]

Quoting momandvet:

Ah the joys of our "wonderful" health care system. 

Keep fighting, no reason to jump into such a risky surgery so lightly.  Is the issue a lack of providers in the area?   Can you see someone further out?

It's a lack of contracted providers in the area. I will probably have to make a 30 mile drive to see a different surgeon. There are other neurosurgeons in my area but they are not contracted with my medical group.

[Friday]

Quoting JoshiRachelsMom:

 

Quoting Friday:

 My medical group referred me to the partner of the doc that suggested surgery.

What do you think?

It's a problem concerning ethics. Dr. #2 is a partner of Dr. #1, same office, not really an unbiased second opinion. Both doctors are covered under your plan - technically another ethical issue. You can argue that the insurance company is more concerned with their bottom $line$ than with you getting an honest, unbiased second opinion.

You can also choose to go out of network to get a second opinion and pay out of pocket, then submit the bill to your insurance company for re-imbursement.

 

Unfortunately going out of network is not an option. I cannot afford it and have an HMO so they will not reimburse anything that is not pre-approved except emergencies.

The real problem is that they are taking forever and I had hoped, if we decided to go forward with surgery, to schedule the surgery at the beginning of my kids Winter break because I will be unable to drive for 4 weeks. That's only a couple of weeks away so it's not likely. I might have to wait till Spring break.

[tericared]

Having disk problems myself and having had surgery....do all that you can to get a second opinion....And if it comes down to an operation,,,check out the surgeon very very well...an option I did not have at the time...... 

[SWasson]

I think even if you have to drive 30+ miles away, it's worth it to see another doctor who isn't in the same practice. Sorry it's such a hassle with your insurance, but you want a truly independent opinion before major surgery, don't you?