Independent Second Opinion

Make an Informed Decision About Your Spine Health 

Deciding whether to undergo spine surgery is one of the most important health choices you
may ever face. The right decision can significantly improve your quality of life — but the wrong one can lead to lasting pain, unnecessary risk, and long-term consequences.  In most cases, spine surgery is not truly “urgent” or medically necessary in the immediate sense, but rather elective. This makes the decision even more important, as there is often time to carefully evaluate whether surgery is the right choice — or whether safer, non-surgical options may be equally or more appropriate. I frequently see patients who have been told they need spine surgery when it was not truly necessary, or who underwent procedures that offered little benefit and, in some cases, resulted in long-term complications. There are many instances where spine operations are performed for unclear diagnoses or poorly defined indications. These situations highlight the critical importance of obtaining an objective, expert, and unbiased review before
proceeding.

A Truly Independent and Unbiased Evaluation

As a board-certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, I provide a comprehensive review of your medical records, imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT), and possible prior surgical recommendations, etc. — with one crucial difference:
Part of my agreement with every patient is that I will not perform any treatment or surgery for at least one year following this review. This policy ensures that my opinion remains completely impartial and focused solely on your best interest — not on generating future procedures. Many advertisements for second  opinions or “free second opinions” are simply to draw you in to subsequently generate surgical care.

How It Works

1. Submit Your Records:- You’ll provide your imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays), medical history, and any potential prior surgical recommendations to our assisting office staff.

2. Comprehensive Review:- I personally review all submitted materials in detail to evaluate your spinal condition, the accuracy of any potential prior recommendations, and possible alternatives.

3. Consultation (up to 45 minutes):- We’ll meet, ideally in person or virtually if necessary, to review your condition, discuss your case in depth, ask questions you may have regarding your spinal condition, treatment options, etc.

4. Written Summary (Optional):- A detailed written summary can be provided for your records or local care team.

Limitations & Important Notes

- No Physical Examination:
Due to federal guidelines, I cannot perform a physical examination. My assessment is based on your medical records, imaging, and history. However, a thorough history correlated with a careful review of imaging studies will be sufficient in the majority of situations.

- Out-of-Scope Conditions:
If, when you submit your medical records and prior to a consultation, it is obviously identified that your condition is outside of my scope of expertise (such as an intradural lesion or obviously non-spinal condition), you will not be charged, your records returned, and you will be referred appropriately.

- Additional Testing:
If new imaging or tests are needed, a follow-up visit will be required at a reduced fee. This may occur in situations such as when imaging studies are outdated, of insufficient quality, reassessment of a spinal condition is necessary or additional/different images are required to more definitively understand your spinal condition.

Pricing & Process
- Comprehensive Record & Imaging Review + Consultation: $1,750
- Optional Written Report: $250
- Follow-Up Review (if new testing is required): $500

Clarity. Confidence. Peace of Mind. 

You deserve to make this life-changing decision with full understanding and confidence. My goal is to give you the information, perspective, and reassurance you need — without pressure or bias. Take control of your spine health. Request your independent spine surgery review today.