Patient Best Practices

I think that getting a second opinion is probably the most important thing you can do when you have been diagnosed. Because I did, I was able to learn so much more about the disease, my condition and my options. All physicians are different and approach patients differently. My first surgeon was great and told me the basics, but the second one was a research scientist and had all the latest statistics, treatments, and other information she shared with me. So different physicians can offer you different ideas, support and options.

The second opinion also serves to as a reinforcement of to processing the information. I say in my book that when you first hear the words, "You have cancer," your brain takes the next bus to Toledo. It is as if it shuts down, refusing to hear what has been said and therefore, you usually miss everything else that follows. During a second opinion, you are more stable and able to hear what is being said to you, allowing you to begin formulating a game plan.

And finally, it is, in my opinion, absolutely vital that you know for sure what you are dealing with. Different stages mean differnt things and information is power. I can’t think of a case when I wouldn’t; it’s always wise to seek a second – or even third or fourth – opinion. You want the right treatment, and the right diagnosis!

I know on two levels how important it is to get the right answer, first time around. On a professional level, 20 percent of cases we see come to us having been initially misdiagnosed, and in 60 percent of cases, patients were on the wrong treatment path.

That right there translates into a lot of unnecessary suffering on the part of patients and their family, not to mention the often-unnecessary financial burden for the patient, his employer and the health care system. It’s estimated that $312 billion is wasted each year on misdiagnosed cases.

On a more personal level, my brother Brad Falchuk (co-creater of “Glee”), was misdiagnosed two years ago. Had he not sought a second opinion, he would have been getting the entirely wrong diagnosis and surgery. That surgery could have paralyzed him, or worse. It’s scary to think what could happen without a second opinion.