Considering a Second Opinion?
If you've already been told you need spine surgery — especially something significant like a fusion, deformity correction, or multi-level procedure — getting a second opinion isn't a step you need to justify. It's a normal, expected part of making a major medical decision, and I welcome it.
Spine surgery is one of the areas of medicine where recommendations can vary the most from surgeon to surgeon. Two experienced, well-trained surgeons can look at the same imaging and reasonably disagree on whether surgery is necessary at all, on which levels to address, or on which technique to use. That's not a sign that something has gone wrong. It's a reflection of how much judgment is genuinely involved in spine care. Getting a second, independent perspective is one of the best ways to make sure the plan in front of you is the right one for your specific situation.
What a second opinion visit looks like
Bring your imaging — MRI, CT, or X-ray, ideally on a CD or through a secure image-sharing link.
Bring your reports — Imaging reports, clinic notes, and a summary of the surgery that's been recommended, if you have one.
Come with your questions — Write them down beforehand if that helps. Common ones: Do I actually need surgery? Is there a less invasive option? What happens if I wait? What's the realistic recovery?
The visit itself is a full evaluation — a real conversation about your symptoms and history, a physical exam, and an independent review of your imaging.
What happens afterward
You'll leave with a clear, honest assessment — whether that confirms the original recommendation, suggests a different approach, or points toward non-surgical options first. If it's helpful, I'm glad to put that assessment in writing so you can bring it back to your original surgeon or your primary care physician.
Insurance & cost
Most insurance plans cover second-opinion consultations, and many actually encourage them before major surgery.
When a second opinion can be worth getting
Before an elective spinal fusion
Before any multi-level surgery
Before a deformity correction
If you've been told surgery is your only option
If something about the recommendation doesn't sit right with you — trust that instinct