Abstract
A mandatory second surgical opinion program was implemented January 1, 1983, for some 15,800 employees, retirees and dependents of a Chicago metropolitan based telecommunications manufacturing industry. A Health Information Services (HIS) department was established and an occupational health nurse chosen to provide consultation regarding the program requirements and available health care options. After one year in operation the total cost savings was estimated to be $364,932, less start-up and operating costs, and fees paid for second opinion consultations for 345 individuals who contacted HIS regarding second elective surgical opinions and returned evaluation surveys. The greatest savings resulted from surgeries avoided with resultant savings from avoiding surgeons' fees, hospitalization costs and disability pay. Significant savings were also realized by encouraging the use of ambulatory services such as pre-admission testing and out-patient surgery.