SDM Outpatient Clinic - Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together
The importance of 'deciding your own treatment' is gaining attention in cardiovascular disease treatment.
Traditionally, it was common to simply accept the treatment proposed by the doctor. However, many patients have questions like ‘Aren’t there other treatment options?’ but find it difficult to ask their doctor. Also, even if they want to consult about their illness or treatment options, it can be challenging to find the right person to talk to.
Particularly in cardiovascular disease treatment, there are various options such as ‘surgery’, ‘catheter treatment’, ‘drug therapy’, and ‘device therapy like pacemakers’. These treatments vary depending on each patient’s condition and values, so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
Our center’s SDM (Shared Decision Making) Outpatient Clinic is a service where patients with heart and vascular diseases can spend time with doctors to deepen their understanding of their condition and consult on satisfactory treatment options. We provide support to help patients find the most suitable treatment for them, considering their medical condition, values, and lifestyle, in collaboration with their doctor.
Attending Physician: Taku Asano
What is SDM (Shared Decision Making)?
Shared Decision Making (SDM) is a method for patients to choose their own treatment. It is a process where patients and healthcare providers work together to make treatment decisions.
Healthcare providers have specialized knowledge, such as ‘this treatment is medically optimal’. Patients have individual values and preferences, like ‘I want a treatment with minimal scarring’ or ‘I prioritize effectiveness’. In SDM, both perspectives are shared, and treatment plans are discussed and considered together.
The Complexity of Treatment Choices in Modern Medicine
Modern medicine is complex and offers many options. Patients with ‘coronary artery disease’, ‘valvular heart disease’, or ‘arrhythmia’ must choose from various treatments such as ‘drug therapy’, ‘catheter treatment’, or ‘surgery’.
However, consultation time is limited. Patients may miss opportunities to consult, and healthcare providers often lack time to explain all the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment. This is one factor making treatment decisions difficult.
Features of the SDM Outpatient Clinic
The ‘SDM Outpatient Clinic – Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together’ is a service where patients and doctors can spend ample time deeply discussing the condition and treatment options.
In this clinic, we thoroughly explain treatment options. We select treatments based on patient preferences, such as ‘highly effective treatment’, ‘minimally invasive treatment’, or ‘drug therapy’. Family members can also participate, and treatment plans are decided together based on the patient’s values.
What We Do in the SDM Outpatient Clinic
- Explanation of basic disease information
- Explanation of the pros and cons of examination options
- Explanation of the pros and cons of treatment options
- Consultation and decision-making on treatment plans considering the patient’s preferences and values
Conditions Targeted by the 'SDM Outpatient Clinic'
Ischemic Heart Disease
For ischemic heart diseases such as angina, we explain the pros and cons of drug therapy, catheter treatment, and surgical treatment, and work together to determine the appropriate treatment.
Valvular Heart Disease
For heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, we explain the pros and cons of drug therapy, catheter treatment, and surgical treatment, and work together to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatment selection for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic diseases such as dyslipidemia and hypertension (including lifestyle modifications)
For those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, we consider appropriate treatments to prevent (or prevent recurrence of) cardiovascular diseases, taking into account the risk of developing these conditions.
Arrhythmia Treatment
For arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, we explain the pros and cons of drug therapy, catheter treatment, and surgical treatment, and work together to determine the appropriate treatment.
We Use Materials Like This in the SDM Outpatient Clinic
About Fees
Regular consultations and examinations are conducted under health insurance coverage.
For the initial visit, we conduct a preliminary questionnaire for the SDM Outpatient Clinic – Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together, and the schedule for the SDM Outpatient Clinic (lecture on the condition and treatment decision) will be arranged separately. Examinations may be conducted in between as needed. On the day of the SDM Outpatient Clinic lecture, we minimize waiting time and ensure more thorough discussion time than regular consultations. Therefore, in addition to the regular consultation fee, we charge a reservation fee (partially covered by insurance).
| First visit | 60 minutes 11,000 yen (tax included) |
| Subsequent visits | 30 minutes 5,500 yen (tax included) |
For second opinions, it will be self-pay, and you can receive the SDM Outpatient Clinic – Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together lecture.
Fixed 45 minutes 27,500 yen (tax included)
Additional 15 minutes 2,750 yen (tax included)
SDM Outpatient Clinic for Second Opinions
A second opinion refers to seeking another doctor’s opinion on disease diagnosis or treatment. If you are receiving treatment at another hospital and are uncertain about the treatment plan or anxious about the current diagnosis, getting an opinion from another doctor can help you make a more informed choice. Even if you are receiving treatment at another hospital, you can visit the SDM Outpatient Clinic for a second opinion. While a regular second opinion consultation mainly involves hearing the doctor’s opinion on treatment, the SDM Outpatient Clinic for second opinions differs in that it uses materials to guide the discussion and consults on treatment methods while aligning with the patient’s intentions.
When to Seek an SDM Second Opinion
When there are multiple treatment options
If multiple treatment options are presented and you’re unsure which to choose, hearing another doctor’s opinion can help with your decision.When major surgery or intensive treatment is proposed
If a major surgery or long-term treatment is recommended, it’s important to consult another specialist to confirm if this judgment is appropriate.When you feel uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment
If you’re not convinced by your doctor’s explanation or feel unsure about the diagnosis or treatment, hearing another opinion can provide reassurance.
Benefits of Receiving an SDM Second Opinion
Peace of mind
Hearing another doctor’s opinion can give you confidence in your judgment and treatment choice.Different perspectives
Doctors may have different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Gaining a new perspective can reveal a wider range of options.
Key Points When Receiving an SDM Second Opinion
Consult with your current primary doctor
There’s no need to hesitate about seeking a second opinion. Consult with your primary doctor and ask them to provide necessary documents and data.Clearly communicate your thoughts and wishes
It’s important to clearly express your hopes and questions about the treatment. Clarify your purpose for seeking a second opinion.
External Sites About Second Opinions
About Appointments
If you wish to visit the SDM Outpatient Clinic – Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together, please call our reservation center.
If you are currently attending another hospital, please prepare a referral letter.
Also, if you don’t have a referral letter, you may be charged an additional selection fee.
If you are currently attending our Cardiovascular Center, please consult with your outpatient doctor.
Additionally, for those attending other hospitals, it is possible to receive the SDM Outpatient Clinic – Understanding Your Condition and Considering Treatment Together lecture as a second opinion.
If you are interested, please contact our Medical Coordination Office (TEL: 03-3543-7307).
