Member question:
Is heart value surgery needed?
Expert finding:
More serious heart issue is uncovered.
Impact:
Member undergoes the right surgery and is healthy and well today.
“The Best Doctors service gives me access to the best health care expertise—anywhere.
”
– Tom
Is this surgery right for me?
Tom’s doctor recommended open heart surgery to fix a problem with his heart valve. Before undergoing surgery, Tom wanted to confirm surgery was the right treatment option, and if needed, where should he have the surgery.
Tom placed a confidential call to Best Doctors, an expert medical consultation service offered by his employer at no cost to him.
Best Doctors took a complete medical history and collected and reviewed all of his medical records. Tom’s case was reviewed by a Best Doctors Expert who specializes in valve conditions. The Expert noted that Tom had complained about tightness in his chest. Since this is not a symptom of a valve condition, she recommended additional testing before the open heart surgery.
Further testing revealed Tom had other potentially life threatening heart issues that had since gone undetected. These issues, including a rare heart condition, would also require surgical treatment in addition to the valve repair.
Tom underwent the open heart surgery to correct all of his heart issues. He did this with confidence he was making the right decision. Today, Tom is healthy with a bright future ahead.