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T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Volume 125 No. 16
www.enterprisepublications.com
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Serving Will and Kendall counties
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Edward streamlines second opinions By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Photo Courtesy of Edward Hospital and Health Services
Edward’s new Second Opinion Clinic will help patients get thorough expedited second opinions for cancer and other conditions.
patients have the right to seek a second opinion,” said Hantel. “In many cases, we encourage patients to get another physician’s perspective. And many patients from across the region seek second opinions from Edward Cancer Centers and other highly-specialized services at Edward.” The process involves filling
out an online request form. After submitting the request, patients are contacted within one day by a trained nurse navigator to coordinate the rest of the process. Physicians often say second opinions can offer patients a better understanding of the diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis; a fresh analysis
INSIDE
Diagnoses, particularly in the case of serious or lifethreatening diseases, can be overwhelming and often confusing for patients. Unsure of the proper course of action, many patients and their families are left to consider their options, or seek an alternate opinion. But sometimes that process can be overwhelming as well. How do you decide when to seek that opinion? Where do you find another specialist? Will insurance cover the appointment? Now, Edward Hospital is streamlining the process for patients. Edward’s new Second Opinion Clinic will help patients get thorough expedited second opinions for cancer and other conditions. A nurse navigator guides the patient, coordinates timely visits with specialists, and works with the first physician’s office to obtain the necessary medical information, such as imaging or test results. Alex Hantel, MD, Director of Medical Oncology for Edward Cancer Center, said seeking a second opinion is especially appropriate in life-threatening, unusual or complicated cases where there are multiple potential courses of treatment. And, Hantel said, patients should not be concerned about offending their physician. “Most physicians realize that
from a doctor whose approach may be more aggressive or more conservative than the original physician, and who may know of alternative treatments; or even the reassurance that the original treatment plan is the best option. Doctors at Cleveland Clinic, a pre-eminent research hospital in the Midwest, suggest second
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opinions be sought in a variety of common cases, including: • A serious illness that does not require emergency surgery; • If there is uncertainty in the diagnosis or course of treatment suggested; • If the treatment See 2ND OPINION, page 3