A Second Opinion Can Change Everything

Learning that you have a heart or vascular condition can create more questions than answers.

What treatment is available?

Is there more than one option?

What will happen if I forgo treatment?

Deciding how to proceed can be stressful, and many patients feel tempted to go with whatever their doctor recommends. But at times like this, it’s essential to step back, take a deep breath and get a second opinion.

Receiving a second opinion as part of your heart care is critical because the medical world is becoming increasingly complex. A heart second opinion can help you understand your options before you make a momentous decision about your health and future. It can reveal new treatment possibilities. Or, if the second opinion is the same as the first, it can help you feel more confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Deciding whether to seek a second opinion can be emotional for some people. They worry they will hurt their doctor’s feelings or experience information overload. The fact is that second opinions are common in heart and vascular care. Doctors themselves seek a second opinion when they face a complex diagnosis. They know a second opinion can make the difference between life and death – especially when your heart is involved.

A Second Opinion Can Provide New Hope

Your current doctor has your best interests at heart but may not know about the latest surgical and non-surgical therapies for your condition. They may mistakenly tell you that you don’t have any treatment options or guide you to therapies that are unlikely to help.

Heart and vascular specialists at Emory Healthcare have a national reputation for treating both common and complicated heart conditions. Our highly specialized teams have advanced training and expertise in medical, surgical and interventional cardiology. They can enroll patients in clinical trials that provide access to novel technologies and treatments that are not widely available. “We offer the most comprehensive advanced cardiac treatment options available, combining our expertise in both surgery and interventional cardiology,” says William Nicholson, MD, director of Interventional Cardiology at Emory Heart & Vascular. As a result, Emory Heart & Vascular offers more treatment options for the full range of heart and vascular conditions than many other institutions worldwide.

The Second Opinion Process at Emory Healthcare

Obtaining a second opinion at Emory Heart & Vascular is straightforward. Before your appointment, our team will review your previous medical records. Multiple physicians will discuss possible treatment options. They will reach a consensus about what options offer the most promise. During your office visit, they will share their recommendations with you. You can ask questions and decide with your care team how to proceed.