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The Role of the Surgical Second Opinion

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Patient Safety in Surgery

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Abstract

Second opinions are a frequent and necessary part of surgical care. Both patients and surgeons can benefit from the educational opportunities that arise when second opinions are sought, aiding in care decision-making. The use of surgical second opinions arose as a cost-saving mechanism for third-party payers. Although research indicates minimal savings, second opinions are valuable tools for promoting good communication and encouraging fresh perspectives in the rapidly advancing world of medicine. The use of the surgical second opinion may increase as the U.S. attempts to use accountability measures to create a sustainable health care system.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Physician Insurance Companies (COPIC), 7351 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO, 80230, USA

    Ted J. Clarke MD

Authors
  1. Ted J. Clarke MD
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Correspondence to Ted J. Clarke MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

    Philip F. Stahel

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

    Cyril Mauffrey

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

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Clarke, T.J. (2014). The Role of the Surgical Second Opinion. In: Stahel, P., Mauffrey, C. (eds) Patient Safety in Surgery. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4369-7_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4369-7_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4368-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4369-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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