Second opinions

[PurplePickle]

Whats my entitlement to a second opinion at a vets?

Also if Im in the middle of an insurance claim is it possible to get that second opinion from a different vets or would they only cover the vets Im with now?

 

[charlie55]

I done this a while ago with an old horse, i think i had to get refered so i could carry on with the same claim x

 

[eggs]

Got a second opinion some years ago. The second vet required permission from the first vet before she would get involved.

 

[Stinkywellies]

My friend did this only last year as she wasn't happy with the vets that were dealing with her horse. As long as your insurance company are aware and your vets are happy to refer you i think you should be fine. x

 

[PurplePickle]

Will insurance not get funny about paying out if I say im not happy with the treatment?

 

[alsxx]

Check with insurer first though. The second opinion vet will need 'permission' (I use the term loosly) from first vet.

When I got a second opinion insurance advised me they would not pay for repeat diagnostics if the diagnosis was the same. But then they also got a bit difficult when it highlighted completely seperate issues so its a minefield!

 

[PurplePickle]

thats what worries me alsxx. I did try to see if I could speak to another vet in the same practise who had seen him before, but my normal vet keeps getting in touch.

If I want another vet from same practice is this possible? or is it a no no

 

[alsxx]

In my experience, vets from the same practice tend to back each other up! When I got a second opinion my vet wanted to know why, I explained my concerns (about the fourth time at this point!) And he was not prepared to change his mind. It turned out ellie did not have what he had diagnosed at all.

Once they have diagnosed they seem very reluctant to change their minds (perhaps understandably as I guess scared of being sued!) But I would rather stick with the same vet who is prepared to say they made an error, than hop around getting more vets involved.

Feel free to pm though if you want to throw some ideas around!

 

[PurplePickle]

Well I spoke to a new vet today, they said insurers should be fine but ring them anyway. Glad I did they wont cover a second opinion but they will cover visits if I just change vets completely.

They will also not cover any work thats been done already but they will cover continued treatment etc

so just waiting to here back for a visit from the new vet, lets hope this can be sorted.