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A Letter To New Patients Who Are Coming For Second Opinions |
I wish to give you as complete and thorough an explanation and opinion as possible during your visit. If you want to bring a spouse, family member, or significant other to assist you in understanding our discussion, and for later discussions at home, I encourage this. Although I will likely have spoken with you on the telephone, and will have a general idea of the problem area for discussion, it is very important that I have certain materials to review personally at the time of your visit. Please bring with you your medical records (especially the operative and pathology reports, any consultation reports, discharge summaries, as well as any and all other medical records you may have), as well as the original x-ray films and the pathology slides. You may need to ask your physician to obtain these materials for you, especially x-ray films and slides. Since you may need to submit a written authorization for their release, several release forms are enclosed. Since each medical office or department may need to keep a copy for their files, you will usually need several signed release forms. I suggest calling the office or department at least one day in advance, since it may take time to make copies or retrieve slides or x-ray films from storage. This will save you an extra trip. It is usually best to carry all these materials with you, rather than mailing them; this is a safer method of transport.
Please fill out the enclosed patient questionnaire and bring it with you. This helps me to understand everything that I need to know to help you. If you have a list of questions, please bring that also. I have scheduled at least two hours for your visit, if we need this time. I will review all the records and materials, interview and examine you, and then we will have a comprehensive discussion regarding your specific type of malignancy, the treatment choices and alternatives, and the advantages and disadvantages, as well as priorities, of various actions. I will prepare a written report and summary of your consultation, which will be sent to your attending physician and/or your health agency, as well as to you. I will generally call your physician soon after your visit, so that she/he will understand the topics, discussion, and conclusions we have shared. Of course all information about your medical situation is strictly confidential and no report will be submitted to anyone except at your request or with your permission.
Contact my office regarding the fee for my comprehensive second opinion consultation. Although I request payment of this fee at the time of your visit, I will assist you in your attempt to recover any possible reimbursement from your insurance company. VISA is also accepted for payment. Be sure to bring your insurance information with you.
This consultation includes review of your records, x-ray films, slides, and other materials, your visit with me, including examination, discussions and recommendations, communication with your physician, and preparation of a written report, as well as subsequent telephone discussions with you and your physician, in case additional information, review, or clarification would be helpful or important.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at (310) 375-4349 or e-mail me. Either my nurse, Lenore, or I will assist you. Maps and directions for my office are attached, as is a reminder list of items to bring with you. I am looking forward to the opportunity of assisting you by providing an additional dimension to your comprehensive care program.
Sincerely,
Malin Dollinger, M.D.
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