Category: General Medicine

How Virtual Medical Consultation Bridged the 2 Years Wait of Mr Das

Posted on by admin

I love this technology and amazed to see how the technology bridged the 5604 km distance (UK to Kolkata Flight Distance) and a wait of 2 years in a few days with few steps.

 

A simple email made all the difference.

 

Mr. Das was trying to get an appointment from Dr. Dwaipayan Sen for his father-in-law who is having some neurological disorder.

 

He has been waiting to book an appointment for 2 years. WOW that’s a lot of time… Isn’t It?

 

At least, this is what he said in his email.

 

In his email, he highlighted as Dr. Sen stays most of the time abroad, he has not been successful to book an appointment with him. He wanted to find out if in any way he can get an appointment from him for his father-in-law in near future.

 

I know what you must be thinking?

 

Why would one wait for 2 years for a consultation? Yes, he consulted somebody else.

 

But as the neurological symptoms persisted with his father-in-law he was not sure and wanted to consult Dr. Dwaipayan Sen for a second opinion.

 

To this, he was introduced to DocOasis by Dr. Dwaipayan Sen

 

You must be thinking… Now what is DocOasis?

 

DocOasis is an online consultation platform helping you to connect to Dr. Dwaipayan Sen across the globe virtually for a second opinion in fields of Stroke, Geriatric Medicine, Elderly Neurological Diseases and on General Medicine.

In a way it helps to validate your current diagnosis and treatment virtually from the comfort of your home.

 

Mr. Das was initially a bit hesitant about using technology for the consultation but thinking he how very much wanted the appointment he booked the video consultation with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen, Consultant Stroke Physician UK through DocOasis.

 

He created an account, submitted a summary of the health problem his father-in-law was having, current medicines undertaken by him, test results and the imaging studies from the previous consultation through the portal and booked the video consultation with the doctor.

 

To find out how the 30 minutes of the consultation went, we (DocOasis) asked him to leave a review and the review that came from him is

 

“Recently I consulted Dr. Sen for my father in law who has been suffering from Parkinson for last 2 years. Initially, I contacted Dr Sen for his appointment through e-mail and amazed to see his answer within an hour with suitable guideline. It was an unbelievable experience of video conference with Dr. Sen.

 

I appreciate Dr. Sen for his detail explanation about the root cause of the disease as well as it’s remedies. His personality coupled with his great knowledge towards his subjects has been reflected in every words of his advice.

 

Moreover, his behaviour towards the patient as well as his family members build up a confidence in patient’s mind. We are really grateful to Dr. Sen and will look forward to his advice further.

 

I would also like to appreciate the support team of DocOasis for their very prompt response regarding all kind of helps. Many thanks again to Dr. Sen and the team.

 

Regards,

Mr Das”

 

 

Further to this he did all the tests requested by the doctor and booked a follow up with the doctor again through video consultation. But this time he was more confident in using the technology.

 

Who would have thought about consulting a doctor virtually before the year 1998?

 

Thanks to Google and the Skype Founders and similar technologies who is bridging the distance and waiting gap and strengthening the interaction between patients and doctors across the globe.

 

So, today in this internet age with a phone/laptop and internet connection, patients can receive medical advice/second opinion from world best doctors without leaving the comfort of their homes.

 

Harnessing the power of technology, with virtual second opinion a patient can get confirmation on their current diagnosis and treatment or get recommendation on additional treatment options from doctors across the globe. Just like Mr. Das who consulted Dr. Dwaipayan Sen Consultant Stroke Physician UK (NHS) through DocOasis to validate his treatment on the current diagnosis

 

Now, the question is do we need second opinion?

 

Sometimes, we might notice that the symptoms are persisting, and the proposed treatment is not working as it should have, it puts so many questions in your mind i.e.

Have I been misdiagnosed, and should I consult a different doctor for a second opinion?

 

Well, misdiagnosis is not rare. But people only come to this conclusion only after a severe incident has happened to the patient.

 

According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins, in USA more than 250,000 people in the United States die every year from medical errors making it the 3rd cause of death after cancer and heart disease.

So, if you have a hunch that your current diagnosis is not right, or you want to explore the other alternatives for the treatment, it is advisable to take a second opinion from the doctor.

 

Because getting a second opinion from another doctor can help you make informed decisions about the treatment plan. Just like Mr. Das did by consulting Dr. Dwaipayan Sen through DocOasis…

 

When To Seek A Second Opinion?

 

Summary of the possible situations when you can go for a second opinion.

 

  • If you have doubts about the recommended treatment and wanted a second opinion from another doctor, it is advisable to seek a second opinion
  • If there was not enough communication between both parties and you wanted to be more informed, please seek one
  • If there is more than one route to the treatment, please seek for a second opinion
  • If the treatment is not effective and the symptoms persist.
  • Many patients with complex medical questions or concerns may be looking for answers, alternatives, or peace of mind. If you are unsure about your treatment plan, have symptoms that have not been explained, or have been diagnosed with a life-changing illness, an online second opinion can help.. Another perspective to be taken into consideration.

 

 

Some interesting stats indicating how Medical Second Opinion has helped patients.

 

For example, in a study conducted by Mayo Clinic on patients who wanted a second opinion found

66% Of Patients Received Refined Diagnosis

22% Of Patients Diagnosed with Something Different

12% Of Patients Were Confirmed the original diagnosis

 

Another data collected by Pinnacle Care on their 1,000 Members found

3% Had a Change In Diagnosis

21% Changed Treatment Plans

2% Didn’t need surgery though initially recommended by their Physician

 

But people sometime hesitate to get a second opinion thinking it might upset their doctor, it might be expensive, it is a difficult process to seek a second opinion, take things for granted thinking my health condition isn’t life threatening.

 

But these are all myths. It’s your life. It’s your decision.

 

So, in this day and age where technology is moving at a fast pace, seeking a virtual second opinion from top specialist doctors is not impossible. You owe it yourself to explore your options in validating your treatment by world’s top doctors.

 

So, if there is a hunch that your diagnosis is not correct or want to validate your treatment in fields of Stroke, Elderly Neurological Diseases, Geriatric Medicine, book a consultation with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen on DocOasis.

 

 

 

Reference:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-common-is-misdiagnosis-or-missed-diagnosis-2615481

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

https://www.pinnaclecare.com/highlights/blog//data-shows-second-opinions-can-change-the-course-of-your-healthcare//

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/22/medical-errors-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-america.html

Why Medical Second Opinion Matter?

Posted on by admin

Do You Know? Every year in US, 1 of every 20 adults receiving outpatient care experiences diagnostic error which can be either an inaccurate diagnosis or untimely diagnosis or failure to communicate a diagnosis to the patient. Diagnostic errors can cause serious physical harm, including death, either by a delay in appropriate treatment for a serious disease, or by provision of unnecessary, harmful treatments.

 

In a study conducted on Israeli patients with response rate 62%, it is found that clinical uncertainty or lack of communication is a reason for the patients seeking medical second opinion and not with the diagnosis itself. Communicating with the patient in a jargon free manner could reduce the need for patients seeking medical advice.

 

In a Mayo Clinic study, it is being found that

  • 88% of patients who requested for a medical second opinion went home with new or refined diagnosis that led to changing their care plan
  • 12% receive confirmation that the original diagnosis was the right treatment plan

 

According to a study by the latest Global Medical Second Opinion Market report it is being found that considering there is an increasing need for improved diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as employer pressures to reduce financial healthcare costs, the need for second opinion is predicted to grow at an annual compound rate of 18.2% between now and 2024.

 

Second Opinions have proven to be a valuable strategy for reducing medication errors. Moreover, patients seeking second opinion could lead to quicker access to live saving treatment or prevent unnecessary treatments in a way minimizing the impact that could result from diagnostic error

 

 

What Is Medical Second Opinion?

 

Medical Second Opinion is the additional consultation taken by the patient after the primary diagnosis. A second opinion about your health situation from another doctor helps you to compare the advices provided by both the medical specialists. You feel more confident if the results are the same but with a different view you get to know different medical options available to your health condition. 

 

 

When to consider a Medical Second Opinion?

 

  • Sometimes when your symptoms persist, or the situation becomes worse after your medical consultation, it is better to get a second medical opinion.

 

  • To ensure the planned treatment is the best option for you, it is better to seek a medical second opinion

 

  • If you have been diagnosed with a rare or life-threatening disease, for example, if you have been diagnosed with critical, chronic or degenerative health conditions and diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, severe burns, stroke, coma, paralysis, Alzheimer’s disease, blindness, deafness, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, renal failure, speech loss, organ transplants, motor neuron diseases, it is advisable to seek a medical second opinion to be aware of the availability of the alternate diagnosis

 

  • If you not have been communicated properly about your condition or need more information about your disease, you should seek a medical opinion. In that instance

 

  • You can either ask your primary physician to help you suggest with another medical specialist whom you can seek advice from
  • For a health professional who does not require a referral from your doctor, you have the right to organise an appointment with another health professional without informing the first, if you wish. However, if possible, take any test results or scans with you.

But as a patient do you consider getting a medical second opinion? Sometimes it has been found out patients feel awkward as they think it might ruin the relationship between the patient and their primary doctor. But it is a common request. It is your absolute right to seek advice and be in charge of what happens to your body. Receiving the right diagnosis is a critical aspect of any patient’s healthcare

 

 

How Do I Get A Medical Second Opinion from A Doctor at DocOasis?

 

Step 1: Select How You Would Like to Book A Consultation Video/Online

Step 2:  Define Your Health Problems for Which You Need A Consultation

Step 3: Pay & Book Your Consultation

Step 4:

  • If You Have Booked A Query Online Consultation, doctor reviews your case and replies within 24 – 48 hours. With this consultation you can ask 2 Free Follow Up Queries
  • If You have booked a Video Consultation, doctor reviews your case and replies to you on the day consultation is booked. This consultation lasts for 30 minutes and is initiated by the doctor

 

Who at DocOasis will provide Medical Second Opinion and on what Speciality?

 

Here at DocOasis, Dr. Dwaipayan Sen Consultant Stroke Physician from UK will be providing answers to medical questions and provide you second opinion on your current medical queries raised in the portal. The specialities are Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine.

 

Questions to Ask Doctor i.e. your Second Healthcare Provider?

 

  • If you have been diagnosed correctly?
  • If the tests are costly, try to find out if all of them are necessary?
  • What are the different options i.e. pros and cons of each if you have advised with different diagnosis options

 

Examples of Case Studies to see how people are helped with a medical second opinion.

 

Sometimes a story is not enough. We need to know the experiences people had with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen. Hence you can have a quick read here.

 

If you have any health queries related to Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine, and need medical advice don’t hesitate to contact us on [email protected]

 

 

References:

 

Subscribe to our Newsletter