Pancreatitis: Learn How to Lower Your Risk for this Painful Condition
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and irritated. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of pancreatitis include heavy alcohol use, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a diet high in processed or fatty foods. Rates of pancreatitis have increased over the past 50 years in most parts of the world, especially in North America, […]
The Powerful Impact of Medical Second Opinions
A study published earlier this year from WorldCare Consortium® member Mayo Clinic found that more than 20 percent of patients who sought a second opinion had initially been misdiagnosed by their primary care providers. The study found that only 12 percent of patients who asked specialists at WorldCare Consortium® Mayo Clinic to review their cases had received completely […]
Medical Second Opinions and ERISA: What employers need to know
At WorldCare, we are sometimes asked if medical second opinion (MSO) services as part of an employee benefit plan are subject to ERISA. MSOs may or may not fall within ERISA’s reach – this is complicated stuff and the rules are not all that clear in different contexts. So let’s share a few key points: […]
Selecting a Medical Second Opinion Provider: Experience Matters
Medical second opinions have the capacity to save lives. By utilizing the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists and sub-specialists, misdiagnosis can be prevented and the optimal treatment plan can be identified and implemented. However, not all medical second opinion providers are the same. WorldCare has been providing medical second opinions for nearly […]
3 Benefits of Seeking a Second Medical Opinion
Receiving an unanticipated diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. These three benefits show the importance of always getting a second opinion. 1. Avoiding Misdiagnosis Being misdiagnosed is not an uncommon occurrence. Many illnesses start with similar symptoms and traits. Unfortunately, being treated for the wrong illness can cost a patient much more […]
Important Considerations When Getting a Second Opinion
When symptoms lead to a medical diagnosis that is serious, rare, or complex, one of the first things patients often do is wonder whether the diagnosis is accurate. A second opinion provides an opportunity to have a specialist or a team of specialists review your case and helps you avoid a misdiagnosis. Knowing what to consider in […]