Second Opinions : What’s Wrong, What’s Necessary, and What Will it Cost?

It was a brutally humid day … it was not the best day for our AC to kick off.

• Opinion 1. “I should be able to get a new unit up and running for you in a day… for about $2400”
• Opinion 2. “Not sure what’s wrong .. but the unit is 8 years old so I would replace it”
• Opinion 3. “Here’s your problem — an $8 capacitor”

This was a busy month at work.  Many second opinions.  The part of my job I seem to enjoy most.

• I agreed with only 10% of prior opinions regarding the “need” for surgery.  Luckily.. being an elective surgeon, very few people “need” surgery.

Now… I’m not asking you to take the leap and assume that I am all knowing and always correct— but most of these folks were doing just fine with regards to their quality of life and simply didn’t “need”  surgery.

• A few wondered if I would be willing to perform their surgery.  An HSA was mentioned, so the issue of  cost arose.  Good for them! We came in more than 70% less than prior quotes.  Why? Do I believe my time is worth less than others? No.  I simply think I have a more realistic view of what my time is worth, and I want people to be able to afford the treatment.    Would you pay $40,000 dollars cash for a knee replacement that takes me an hour to perform? I wouldn’t either… but you would be amazed to know how many people do. Just because something costs more does NOT mean you are getting a better level of service or result.

Second opinions matter … in HVAC and in healthcare.  What’s wrong, what’s necessary, and what will it cost are important issues to discuss— and comprehend.

Even if you trust your first opinion … you never know what might be revealed.