What is the purpose of a mandatory second surgical opinion requirement?

The purpose of a mandatory second surgical opinion requirement is primarily to verify the necessity of the proposed surgery. This process serves as a safeguard for patients by ensuring that the recommended surgery is truly needed based on a professional assessment from another qualified surgeon. It aims to prevent unnecessary surgeries that could pose risks to the patient’s health, save costs associated with unnecessary procedures, and provide an additional layer of validation regarding the diagnosis and treatment plan. By confirming that surgery is the best course of action, both patients and healthcare systems can benefit from more informed decision-making in surgical care.