Asking for a second opinion isn’t rude or disrespectful — it means you take your health seriously. On this page, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about this process so that you can be as informed as possible when planning for your surgery.
FAQ's
A: A second opinion increases your knowledge about your procedure and condition, which empowers you to make better decisions about your care. For example, your first surgeon may recommend traditional open back surgery, while your second one believes that a minimally-invasive approach is in your best interest. The discrepancy doesn’t mean that one is right and one is wrong – it just means that there are different ways to handle your pain. A second opinion gives you all the facts so that you can select the treatment plan that is aligned with your goals and preferences.
WHEN TO GET A SECOND
OPINION
At Long Island Spine Specialists, we believe in second opinions for all of our patients.
However, it’s most important when:
- Your personal goals are vastly different from your surgeon’s
- You want to find out if there are alternatives to the recommended surgery
- You aren’t comfortable with the first physician and/or their recommendations
- An initial procedure was unsuccessful and a second surgery is being recommended
- You simply want to confirm that the surgery is the best approach for your circumstances
HOW TO HANDLE THE SECOND SURGEON INTERVIEW
When meeting with a spine surgeon for your second opinion, you’ll want to bring a list of questions and an open mind.
The most common questions include:
- The surgeon’s experience with the type of back surgery you require
- The consequences if you don’t move forward with surgery
- The next steps if the surgery is unsuccessful
- Potential alternatives to the procedure
- Risks and complications
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.
Call anytime 24/7
(631) 837-2359
Contact Us for An Expert Consultation
Find us near you and start your journey to a pain-free life.
887 Old Country Road,
Suite D
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 837-2359
Fax: (631) 462-2240
763 Larkfield Rd, Second
Floor
Commack, NY, 11725
Phone: (631) 837-2359
Fax: (631) 462-2240
400 Montauk Highway,
Suite 102
West Islip, NY 11795
Phone: (631) 837-2359
Fax: (631) 462-2240
565 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, NY
11552
Phone: (631) 837-2359
Fax: (631) 462-2240
