BEST DOCTORS EXPERT REPORT GIVES MEMBER ADDITIONAL DETAILED MEDICAL INSIGHT

a positive recovery. He was in good health until two years ago when he abruptly lost 70% of vision in his right eye. It happened on a night like any other, Peter came home and sat down next to his wife when suddenly, he was only able to see a ‘’pinhole of light’’ with his right eye. The couple rushed to the emergency room and after 20 minutes some of his sight slowly was regained but only improved to 30% visibility.

Over the next three days Peter’s local medical team conducted numerous tests, which included an echocardiogram, physical examinations as well as blood tests. His doctors believed that although there was no evidence of clots, that the most likely cause of his visual impairment episode was that plaque had gone to the back of his right eye and resulted in retinal artery blockage.

Peter was told that although vision had been lost, that he would be able to continue his normal daily routine, practice sports and that his condition would most likely improve. Although his medical team attempted to provide Peter a positive outlook, he was naturally very worried about his future and grew concerned that his decreased eye-sight could also affect his ability to continue working as a truck driver.

Feeling unsure about how his new illness could affect his quality of life, Peter decided to get a second medical opinion in the hopes of understanding more about his medical issues. Unfortunately, this was not an easy task as Peter’s home is located in a rural area of Australia. Peter’s insurance provider suggested using Best Doctors’ second medical opinion service to which he had free access via his policy. Best Doctors’ service was an ideal solution for Peter because access to expert medical analysis is possible independently of the member’s geographical location.

The Best Doctors medical team worked to collect all of Peter’s medical records and compiled a clinical summary which was shared with a carefully selected, world class expert in Ophthalmology. Once the Best Doctors expert reviewed his case history, he prepared a

thorough report reflecting his medical opinion regarding Peter’s condition. The expert agreed that the symptoms had likely emerged from a partial central retinal artery occlusion which Peter’s medical records reflected he was indeed suffering from.

Peter was provided with supporting, detailed information about the root and cause of his condition. His expert explained that the occlusion was most likely caused by a piece of cholesterol that detached from the inner lining of a blood vessel in his body and traveled through the bloodstream until it reached the central retinal artery. This interruption in blood flow damaged the retina and caused sudden vision impairment. This medical condition mimics that of a stroke but only affects the eye.

Unfortunately, there is no available treatment to improve Peter’s vision. The Best Doctors expert ensured Peter that the probability of more damage developing in his other eye is extremely unlikely. Peter found comfort in knowing that he could be confident that his situation wouldn’t deteriorate with time. His expert also gave him vital suggestions and recommendations including living as healthy a life as possible and to be observant for risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

I wanted to have my diagnosis confirmed and know what I can expect for the future. The expert has been really helpful and provided me with the clarity that I needed.’’

Peter was very pleased with the report and detailed additional medical information he received from his Best Doctors expert. It was reassuring that the information provided solidified his diagnosis and it also provided him with new insights into the cause of his condition and what to expect in the future.