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Medical misdiagnosis, in the form of inaccurate, late, and delayed diagnoses, is an ongoing problem in Nigeria. Not only do these diagnostic errors present an ongoing risk to the health and safety of patients, but they also cost the economy billions of Naira. According to a research by Owen W. MacDonald, Misdiagnosis too frequently results in serious harm to patients. In a survey of physicians, 64% said that up to 10% of the misdiagnosis they have experienced directly resulted in harm to the patient. Since effective treatment depends upon an accurate and effective diagnosis, misdiagnosis can also lead to inappropriate or unnecessary testing, such as biopsies and treatment that may cause harm.

Second opinions are another important tool that can help patients avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Patients who receive a diagnosis or a recommendation to undergo surgery should consider a second opinion from a specialist who treats a high volume of similar cases and is up to-date on the latest research, treatment options, and clinical trials. This expert opinion will serve to confirm a preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan or suggest a more appropriate and sometimes less invasive treatment from the outset, when it can have the most significant impact on optimizing outcomes.