There are many reasons you or your loved one might visit a Pennsylvania doctor’s office. Such visits may simply be part of your regular health regimen, especially if you’re a parent of young children. At other times, an unexpected health concern might prompt your need to schedule an appointment. When seeking medical attention, you have a right to reasonably expect that the doctor in question will be able to assess your situation and properly diagnosis an adverse health condition.
Even if your doctor is having trouble diagnosing a particular condition, he or she should consult a specialist or refer you to another doctor who may be better able to handle the situation. In certain circumstances, you may want to get a second opinion. This is especially true if you have received a diagnosis of terminal illness, such as various cancers or illnesses associated with asbestos injury.
Choosing a next step can be stressful
If a doctor has disregarded your symptoms or health concerns and you strongly believe something is not right because you’re not feeling well, you do not have to take his or her bill of good health as fact. You have every right to visit another doctor to determine if a second opinion will result in a different diagnosis.
Perhaps a doctor has already diagnosed mesothelioma, asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease. It can be stressful to determine what type of treatment would be best. Your doctor might have an opinion, but it’s certainly acceptable to consult with other physicians who are well-versed in this area of practice, as well.
Questioning a recommendation
Your doctor might advise you to undergo a particular treatment. You might have knowledge that an alternative treatment plan is available, and you’d like to pursue it. It can be helpful to seek a second opinion to help weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which might be the best course of action in your particular situation.
You don’t have to feel rushed
When you’re facing the prospect of terminal illness treatment, you don’t have to decide everything in one office visit. You will likely develop a strong support network, including an entire medical team who will help you alleviate symptoms as they arise and attain as high quality a lifestyle as possible under the circumstances.
If you feel pressured into making a quick decision, it might be a sign that you should step back and consider other options, such as seeking a second opinion. You can even ask your doctor to help you do so or, at least, to provide a list of physicians he or she recommends for consultation.
Beyond the medical realm of an asbestos injury diagnosis
Knowing that there is no cure for mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos injury illnesses, it’s understandable that you may have certain priorities you wish to address. Part of this process often includes speaking with a Pennsylvania legal advocate who is well-versed in asbestos litigation issues, especially for those who believe employer negligence directly caused their injuries.