Your health is too important. Don’t get burned by doctors who dismiss symptoms, deny tests or treatment and potentially misdiagnose medical conditions.

Medical gaslighting is undeniably on the rise:

The New York Times recently reported research showing that diagnostic errors occur in 1 out of 7 doctor-patient encounters.
Recently a Today Show segment featured a woman whose symptoms were downplayed by physicians and eventually was found to have a 25-pound ovarian tumor. Doctors told her that her stomach and back pain, vomiting, weakness and hair loss were due to excess weight and depression—her treatment was significantly delayed.

Insider reported on the case of an obese patient who was originally diagnosed with weight-related arthritis, but a second opinion found Lyme disease.

Women are particularly prone to missed diagnoses because medical professionals often view their complaints as overdramatic or exaggerated. People of color and obese patients also face care disparities.

Mistakes may result from a physician’s knowledge gap as well as less than ideal working conditions, with time stretched thin and too little spent with patients. Given that, medical errors are bound to happen.

What can be done to avoid weeks, months or even years of suffering and delayed treatment for an undiagnosed medical condition? Experts recommend getting a second – or even third – opinion. After all, even for simple household repairs, most people get several estimates. But for major medical conditions, they often do not.

SecondOpinions.com offers straightforward online medical consultations with physician experts in dozens of specialties. You can use your existing lab tests, medical images and other data to avoid duplicated costs and the hassle of complicated health insurance claims.
To learn more about advocating for your own health and getting important peace-of-mind, click here to connect with one of our specialists.