If you are having heart surgery, you will have to make some difficult choices.

Why Obtain a Second Opinion for Heart Surgery?

• Obtaining a second opinion does not mean that you have a lack of confidence in the doctor in question. Instead, it:
• Offers reassurance regarding the final decision made.
• May disclose new treatment options.
• Aids in helping one to make sense of their disease.
• Enhances your chances of being diagnosed accurately by providing extra information regarding your illness and its treatment options.
• It may present the possibilities of new surgical techniques or new technologies.

Key Moments to Consider a Second Opinion

1. When Facing Major Cardiac Procedures Surgical replacement.Ventricular tachycardia ablation Aortic arch surgery. Surgical closure of atrial septal defect.
2. When Your Diagnosis Feels Uncertain Abnormal stress test leading to further examinations. Generalities that do not match the affirmations. Different conditions like diabetes make it harder to commute. Test fraud in regards to congenital heart disease.
3. When Treatment Options Are Unclear There are two or more surgical methods available. Within the scheduling of the surgery there is a difference of opinion. Choosing between an endoscopic or abdominal surgical procedure. Available resources for rehabilitation.

Red Flags That Signal the Need for a Second Opinion Seek additional consultation if:

1. Your surgeon: Does not seem bothered by your concerns. Does not give you enough time during the appointments. Does not comprehensively depict your illness

• Does not let you get the time to think as the decision should be made instantly

2. You feel:

• Doubt about the procedure that has been prescribed
• Challenges in liaising with the medical team members
• I.H.H.A regarding the level of expertise of the hospital on this procedure
• Over stress pertaining to surgical results

What Should Be Done To Ensure That One Gets Sufficient Benefit From Their Second Opinion

What Needs To Be Done In Advance

1. Keep Your Medical Files Ready:

• Additional tests done involving the heart and any recent scans
• Results of tests conducted
• Records of all past surgeries that took place
• A file of all the medicines taken
• Past treatments

2. Insurance Issues:

• Determine whether you can obtain a second opinion at no cost
• Inquire of any potentially employing doctors who are in the network.
• Legitimate expenses that must be incurred by you
• If necessary, seek preauthorization

What Happens When You Visit An Oncologist For A Second Opinion?

In our Westwood practice, second opinion consultations usually incorporate the following:

Thorough Assessment

• Assessment of complete medical history
• Assessing tests done earlier and the recent ones
• Clinical assessment
• Conversation regarding the diagnosis diseases debunked
• Evaluating the treatment set to be taken

Conversations Around Treatment

• Different options to conduct the surgery
• The risks and potential advantages of doing this surgery for the patient.
• Expected recovery after the treatment
• Consequences expected in the long run
• Side effects that can occur

How To Find The Best Surgeon For A Second Opinion In Los Angeles

When selecting a surgeon in the region of Los Angeles, consider the following:

1. This surgeon has:

• Their license +
• Extra courses +
• Your procedure in statistics

2. Hospital Affiliations:

• Facility Claim
• Apparatuses
• Assistance
• Geographical area

Making an Informed Decision

After a second opinion is obtained:

Compare and Contrast

• Recommended treatment procedure
• Proposed operations
• Expected duration of rehabilitation
• Potential hazards
• Money factors

Consider These Factors

• How well a surgeon treats your specific problem?
• What are the surgical statistics of the hospital?
• The support and the facilities
• Your relations with the doctors
• Follow up and treatment

Expert Cardiac Care in Westwood

The Westwood office has patients coming in for a second opinion from across the greater Los Angeles area and they are frequent. Our Approach is:

• Accurately Evaluating your case
• Informing Clearly
• Explaining options
• Involving the doctors currently treating you
• Aid in choosing.

Insurance and Second Opinions

Second opinion prior to major surgery is covered by insurance. Based in Los Angeles area we deal with:

• Most of the insurance plans
• Medicare, Medicaid
• Private pay patients
• Patients from overseas

Schedule Your Second Opinion Consultation

In the event you require heart surgery, make sure to contact our Westwood office. We will be more than glad to assist you.

We provide full second opinions that are well explained, accompanied by recommendations.

Taking the Next Step

Feel free to ask for a second opinion regarding heart surgery. Every patient has the right to do this because it is necessary for choosing the right option for their healthcare.