Second Opinion on Gynecology

A second opinion on women’s health delivered as a remote consultation can have a written form, when the expert's answer is provided in writing. Another option is a real-time conversation (usually an Internet video conference). In any case, its indispensable component is a general assessment of the situation: agreement or disagreement with the diagnosis, as well as the diagnosis work-up and interpretation of its results. In case of disagreement, supporting arguments are given, and if the tests and other studies were insufficient, the doctor's conclusion will specify the additional tests to be done.

The key part of the second doctor's opinion on gynecology in any of its variations is recommendations for further action. The most common options include:

• the need for surgical intervention, as well as its optimal type, extent and timing;
• the use of medications as monotherapy or in addition to surgery;
• follow-up procedure plan based on current clinical guidelines.

Remote consultations cannot help with urgent gynecologic conditions requiring emergency care. Therefore, a second opinion is unlikely to be appropriate in cases of severe abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, signs of acute infection (fever, chills and sharp pain), pregnancy complications (heavy bleeding or dizziness), ectopic pregnancy.

Sometimes it is impossible or difficult to assess a medical situation if medical information (results of laboratory tests or imaging diagnostics) is insufficient or provided in an inappropriate technical format (e.g., static images instead of dynamic MRI or CT scan files). This does not mean that a second opinion is totally impossible. Full-fledged remote advice on women’s health can be obtained after the missing details have been provided.