Second pathology opinions – pro
Mnay claims are made about the utility of second opinion pathology consultation. Research generally supports this practice. Second opinions can statistically significantly improve diagnostic agreement for pathologists’ interpretations of breast biopsy specimens; however, variability in diagnosis will not be completely eliminated, especially for breast specimens with atypia. Eliminating variablity does not mean that clinical outcomes are improved, which had not been shown to date. Second opinions, unless required by a particular payor, are not medically necessary,since there is no evidence that they produce better outcomes.
Lavinia P. Middleton, MD, Thomas W. Feeley, MD, Heidi W. Albright, MHA, Ron Walters, MD, Stanley H. Hamilton, MD, Second-Opinion Pathologic Review Is a Patient Safety Mechanism That Helps Reduce Error and Decrease Waste. Journal of Oncology Practice 10, no. 4 (July 2014) 275-280.
Berta M Geller et al, Second opinion in breast pathology: Policy, practice and perception. J Clin Pathol. 2014 Nov; 67(11): 955960.