Second Opinions (Kansas City, St. Louis, Alton: schools, university, costs)

[Hazel W]

In Kansas City, if you want a second opinion about something a dentist said was necessary, you can go to the dental school. Where do you go in St Louis County? I know there is a new dental school downtown somewhere but they do not answer their telephone. I held on for ages and finally gave up.

What do you do here when you want a second opinion about any medical procedure? Do hospitals offer such services? Thank you.

[Fishtacos]

Dental,

Greater St. Louis Dental Society
AT Still school of Dentistry (this is a full service dental school) This school is affiliated with Truman State U.
Saint Louis University Center for advanced Dental education (they only do orthodonics, periodontics, and endodonics)
SIUE (I believe they are full service)

I know AT Still and SLU have had at least a few interchangeable faculty.

I strongly recommend going in person. In my personal experience, the general philosophy of some of the schools is the "total fix." Whereas private practice fixes things one at a time based on your complaint, want, etc...kicking the can down the road so to speak. The schools will have lower costs but you give up more time. If it were me, I would get multiple private practice opinions and multiple school opinions. Then make a decision.

If you have a medical problem, you see a different doctor/specialist for what you need.

Always go to the place where you are most comfortable with everything.

[STL74]

I just go to a different doctor/dentist. SIU in Alton is a full dental school. ATStill has a clinic here. SLU has specialty programs if a school is your preference.

[Hazel W]

I'm not wild about using a school although the one in KC was great. They checked what you asked them to check, said what they found and fixed it. It has been my experience that most doctors, whatever their specialty, do not like doing second opinions. That's why I wondered if hospitals had doctors who did such. I guess I just keep asking until I stumble on someone who is satisfactory. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Fishtacos]

I would try SLU or SIUE if you want the fix what you want thing. This is not the general approach of AT Still. SLU again is limited to certain things. But they seem to be fix what you want or not type of place. I am not sure about SIUE. AT Still is the type of place that will want to fix everything even if you come in for just one thing. It is important to. Let that the approaches are both fine, ethical, just very different.

If it is dental, you go to second opinion, they will do an exam, x-rays, and tell you what they think. Then you choose. Pretty straight forward. Dental schools are often used as a cost saver. Example, a private practice root canal can be run between $800-1300 out of pocket. SLU can do it for low $600's amd AT Still for mid $200's. SLU would just do it and be done. AT Still would also strongly suggest other things too if needed. SLU would just do what is asked by you, if they agree. Schools take a lot more time and cost a lot less for those without coverage or without good coverage.

Medical second opinions are tougher but can be had. It really depends on the specialty, the specific situation, he specific doctor, etc...

[Hazel W]

Thank you. I have another reason for calling SLU anyway. I just may go that route. I appreciate the suggestions. Dealing with the medical world is a mystery to this overly-healthy person.