2024-05-02 19:39:33
Heart surgery is not a minor procedure. If you are unsure about a planned operation, you can get a second opinion. When does it make sense and who can I contact?
One thing is clear: a second opinion is only considered if there is no time crunch. This is pointed out by Professor Thomas Meinertz from the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Heart Foundation. In the event of a heart attack, for example, you need to act quickly.
But above all, the how of some treatments can definitely be weighed up. Is a surgical procedure necessary, is an operation using a cardiac catheter possible or maybe even medication is enough? Different doctors can assess this differently.
Special procedure for certain surgeries
There is a special second opinion procedure for certain operations, such as the insertion of a pacemaker or a sclerotherapy of the heart. In such a case, the treating doctor must point out at least ten days before the operation that consultation with an appropriately qualified doctor is possible. The NRW consumer advice center explains this on its website.
You can then accept this advice or not. The corresponding second experts must be particularly qualified and independent and need approval from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. A list can be found on the medical on-call service website.
Get a second opinion independently
But a second opinion can also be useful for other planned heart operations, says Professor Meinertz. For example, a heart valve replacement or bypass operation. Every patient has the right to obtain this. But where? The heart expert considers looking around on the Internet to be problematic because of overly positive self-portrayals. It is better to ask the relevant health insurance company or medical association.
The doctor treating you can also recommend someone. Because ideally he is open to further assessment. However, says Meinertz, a no-go is to simply call a colleague who is biased and should only confirm the initial opinion. Rather, the person asked for a second opinion should not be committed to a particular method from the outset.
What patients should avoid, however, is obtaining a third or even fourth opinion. According to the heart specialist, this only ends up unsettling.