The Importance of Getting a Second Doctor’s Opinion in Ecuador
- Carlos Ramirez
- Apr 15, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 27
By Carlos Ramirez
A few months ago I received a call in the middle of the night from one of our clients who was suffering from severe knee pain. His doctor had suggested immediate surgery on both of his knees at a price of $9,000, which immediately alarmed me. I contacted one of our other client’s doctors and got an appointment set for the next day. The other doctor concluded that physical therapy and medication would solve the issue, and for less than $2,000, without a painful surgery. This is just one of the many cases that I have seen in which the treating physician proposes an invasive procedure without considering the client's specific situation or exploring other options first.
In Ecuador we have doctors who are highly trained to treat your health conditions at affordable costs, whether they be new or pre-existing. For this reason, we recommend that you consult with at least two doctors before making a final decision when it comes to large-scale medical procedures.
Getting a second medical opinion is crucial in order to verify the cost of procedures and treatment that your doctor is proposing. Medical prices vary extensively throughout Ecuador, especially in doctors offices that serve foreigners. Some doctors may suggest unneeded surgeries, ineffective treatments, or even incorrect treatments if you are wrongly diagnosed due to a language barrier, for example.
