CT Second Opinions
Why You Need a CT Second OpinionA computed tomography (CT) exam is among the most powerful diagnostic tools for detecting many types of illnesses. Your doctor ordered a CT exam because he wanted to make sure you had the best diagnostic care possible, leading to the best treatment, if treatment is needed. A CT second opinion is an important part of that process. CT images are captured by a scanner that takes a series of x-ray pictures of thin slices of the affected body part or area, and these images evaluated by radiologists. However, the interpretation of CT results is not clear cut. The machine provides a view inside the body, but it is up to human eyes and the judgment of the radiologist to analyze what the machine has recorded. Help Ensure the Accuracy of Your Exam with a CT Second OpinionFor the best diagnostic results, you need a CT second opinion. Studies have found that not every radiologist will interpret the same CT exam in exactly the same way. Your course of treatment depends on the exam results. Patients who want the best healthcare will get extra assurance with a CT second opinion. In particular, many factors can influence the interpretation of an exam – the radiologist’s experience level, workload level, fatigue. Radiologists have different opinions, and unfortunately, even the most seasoned physician can simply make a mistake. A CT second opinion can ensure the accuracy of your exam interpretation. A CT Second Opinion is an Investment in Your HealthAlso remember that you have invested time traveling to the CT imaging site and in the exam process itself-- and also likely made some financial investment. A small investment in a CT second opinion will help you make the most of your efforts so you can feel assured and confident about the results of your exam. Whatever Your Condition, a CT Second Opinion Adds PerspectiveCT exams focus on different areas of the body and examine a variety of conditions. In the abdomen and pelvic area, a CT can find problems such as tumors and bleeding in the liver, kidneys, and bladder. Arms and legs may be scanned to check for problems such as growths, fractures or infections. A CT scan of the adrenal glands can find tumors or enlarged glands. A chest CT exam can find damage to the heart or lungs and may also be used to look for lung cancer. There are as many reasons your doctor may have ordered a CT exam as there are for getting a CT second opinion. Whatever the specific reason, sometimes a CT exam is ordered to check for a serious condition, and a CT second opinion will help ensure the best possible diagnosis and treatment. Different Procedures Call for Different CT Second Opinion SpecialistsHaving a CT diagnosis by a radiology sub-specialist is particularly important. Radiologists may be generalists reading a wide range of exams or specially trained experts who focus on a particular area. SecondOpinions.com has handpicked a team of highly-trained sub-specialists to give you peace of mind about your CT second opinion. These physicians have the extra training and experience to assess small nuances on your exam and their CT second opinion may make the important difference in your diagnosis. When you book your CT second opinion, review the SecondOpinions.com website carefully and select the correct sub-specialist. If you are unsure, contact SecondOpinions.com for assistance. You Can Play an Active Role in Your Healthcare with a CT Second OpinionMost physicians agree that patients should conduct research about their medical symptoms. They feel patients should play an important role in their own healthcare and their CT second opinion. In particular a CT second opinion is particularly important for conditions where diagnosis demands a high level of radiology skill and when a mis-diagnosis may result in more invasive treatment or an irreversible treatment that may be unnecessary. Remember, receiving a CT second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust your doctor. It simply means you are an intelligent, motivated patient ready to play an active role in your own healthcare. Most physicians will respect a patient who asks for a CT second opinion from a highly trained fellow radiologist because it can contribute new information to their diagnosis. It’s your body and your health. . . so order your CT second opinion today! |