Should I get a

second opinion

According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, 88% of original diagnoses were changed or refined by a second opinion.

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Examples | Mike Shane Fund | Partner CCF

A second opinion very often introduces new potentially life-saving options.

A second opinion is another opinion from a doctor other than the patient’s current doctor. The second doctor reviews the patient’s medical records and gives an opinion about the patient’s health problem and how it should be treated.

People make mistakes every day, and doctors are not immune to this fact. What’s more, some doctors are more conservative while others tend to be more aggressive. So their findings and recommendations can vary dramatically. For this reason, more and more patients are getting second opinions after a diagnosis. Whether your doctor recommends surgery, makes a cancer diagnosis, or identifies a rare disease, there are many benefits to getting a second opinion. These benefits include everything from peace of mind and confirmation to a new diagnosis or a different treatment plan.

Many people do this, and most doctors are comfortable with it. You can get a second (or third, or more) opinion for any reason. Some reasons people have given are: You want to know every possible choice for treatment.

Helping patients receive a remote second opinion on their cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.

Why Remote Second Opinions?

Patients can get another opinion on their diagnosis without leaving their homes.

The first diagnosis isn’t always correct or complete. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, 88% of original diagnoses were changed or refined by a second opinion.

A second opinion can provide alternative options, which can benefit the patient physically, emotionally, and financially. Even just a confirmation of a diagnosis can provide peace of mind.

Everyone deserves that.

Michelle Trachtman, Executive Director of Mike Shane Memorial Fund, and Cecilia Monge Bonilla from NCI/NIH share updates and answer questions.

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation New Zealand

CCF New Zealand is looking to partner with specialist Medical and Advocacy Organisations and facilities to add this incredibly vital resource to a patient’s toolkit of options here in New Zealand & Australia.

Please follow this link to see a current example through the Mike Shane Fund in the USA.

Please contact steve@CholangiocarcinomaAustralia.org for more information

Kenneth and Linda’s testimonial about their experience getting a Remote Second Opinion at Cleveland Clinic through the Mike Shane Memorial Fund

Real life lived examples

My Doctor Told Me to Seek Hospice Care. Instead, I Got a Second Opinion – and I’m Still Alive.

‘I was told it was time for hospice care; instead, I found a way to treat my cancer.’ A beach vacation is supposed to be a relaxing trip…continue reading

Second Opinion Catches Cancer Misdiagnosis

Janine Mueller’s second opinion led to a drastic change in diagnosis. Empowered with correct information, she was able to pursue the appropriate course of treatment.

Each year, an estimated 12 million American adults receive an inaccurate medical diagnosis. For Janine Mueller, a 66 year old woman from Canada, her cancer misdiagnosis almost prevented her from getting the immediate treatment she required….continue reading