Let’s ask Jo! She’ll know!

Q: I've had the same doctor for years and I trust her, I really do, but I just got a very disturbing diagnosis that will impact my life in many ways. How do I tell my doctor I want to confirm she's not wrong without hurting her feelings?

A: I'm not sure you can, but the good news is you don't have to. The primary purpose of getting a second opinion is to aid in informed decision making, not to "gotcha" the first doctor. If it were me, I would say I want to explore any additional expertise concerning diagnosis, prognosis or available treatment. Honestly, I believe it's a failure in advocacy to not pursue that, for yourself or someone else.

When should I seek a second opinion?

You should definitely consider this option anytime the diagnosis or proposed treatment is life-threatening or uncertain, or the proposed treatment is experimental—and whenever something just doesn’t feel right. Yes, there is data showing diagnoses are wrong or incomplete about 20 percent of the time. So why not reduce that risk of harm if possible? BTW, the top specialty clinics now offer virtual second opinions—their expertise is a click away. Go Team Me!

Where will you be when the music stops?

How about investing one hour in achieving best health outcomes for the rest of your life? Jo has a fix for health care's supply chain crisis. If your organization or community gathering wants to host a thought-provoking and informative program, consider “Battling for health care access: Where will you be when the music stops?” Click here for details about Jo's innovative initiative, Bridges, then contact her at JoKline@msn.com to learn if one or more of her info-packed presentations is a good fit.