Who Pays the Bill For a Second Opinion?

Even though he does not remember much, Zack Dunlap will never forget the day he died. That may sound strange, except for the fact the 21-year old Oklahoman is now alive and well, saying he feels “pretty good” almost two months after an ATV accident rendered him temporarily brain dead. As his family members paid their last respects before doctors prepared to procure Dunlap’s vital organs for donation, a strange thing happened. Dunlap started to respond to stimulus, moving his foot and hand. Five days later he opened his eyes, and after an additional 48 days of hospital rehabilitation, he finally returned home. Some might call it malpractice, but for Zack's parents Pam and Doug Dunlap, it is a miracle. “There’s no blame in a miracle,” Pam said upon her son’s return from death. “And there never will be for us.” 

Be it a miracle or medical error, clearly Dunlap could’ve benefited from a second opinion. When should you get one? And if you do ask to consult with an additional medical professional, who foots the bill? According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive (HPOL) for the PBS health series Second Opinion, more than a third of U.S. adults never seek a second opinion, and almost one in ten rarely or never understand their diagnosis. Getting a second opinion means consulting with another doctor to either confirm a diagnosis or weigh in on suggested courses of treatment. It’s recommended to try and get a second opinion before a treatment plan has already been established to avoid delaying your recovery.