Julie is an employee with a group health plan that contains the Mandatory Second Surgical Opinion provision. What is to be expected with this provision in place?

The provision for a Mandatory Second Surgical Opinion is designed to encourage careful evaluation of the need for surgery before proceeding. When this provision is in place, obtaining a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider can lead to reduced out-of-pocket expenses for the insured. Many insurance plans will either waive certain costs or offer better reimbursement rates when a second opinion is sought, as it helps prevent unnecessary surgeries, which can be expensive and risky both financially and medically.

By obtaining a second opinion, patients and insurers can confirm the necessity of the proposed surgery, potentially leading to a more informed decision about treatment. This ultimately supports cost-effective healthcare practices by discouraging unnecessary procedures, thereby benefiting both the insurer and the insured financially.