Orthopedic & Spine Second Opinions 

Guidance you can trust

We’re dedicated to helping our patients achieve a life without pain. When you have a serious orthopedic condition or injury, you want reassurance in knowing your treatment plan will help you return to the life you knew. That’s when a second opinion truly counts.

Our orthopedic and spine experts can review a previous provider’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations and offer thoughtful, unbiased feedback. You’re welcome to ask as many questions as possible. Our experienced providers treat all types of orthopedic conditions, from arthritis to sports injuries, so you can trust they have the knowledge to help you decide which treatment is right for you.  

When should I get a second opinion?

There are many cases in which a second opinion can help you:

• A doctor recommends surgery and you want to ensure it’s the right path
• A previous treatment plan didn’t help and you’d like to consider other options
• You’ve been diagnosed with a complex or rare orthopedic or spine condition and want to talk to a doctor who has experience treating it
• You want more information about your diagnosis
• You want to be sure you’ve considered all available treatment options

Scheduling second opinions at Reid

If you’d like a second opinion with a Reid orthopedic or spine surgeon, the process is as simple as calling our office. We can help you find a specialist with expertise in your condition or the treatment you have questions about.  

We’ll coordinate getting your medical records from your previous provider and work to get test and imaging results from your provider or imaging center. We can also help you understand insurance coverage. Medicare and many private insurers cover second opinions when you’re deciding whether to have a medically necessary surgery.

Will a second opinion offend my doctor?

In medicine, second opinions are expected and valued. Providers know medical decisions can be hard, and they want you to feel good about the choices you make regarding treatment.

At Reid, we don’t send information to other providers or surgeons. You get to decide whether to discuss a second opinion with your original provider.  

Next steps after a second opinion  

Your second opinion visit might agree with what your original doctor recommended, and in that case, you can hopefully feel more at ease about your diagnosis and options for care.

If the results are different, you can share the second opinion with your primary care provider, your original orthopedic or spine specialist, or another specialist to discuss your options. Ask plenty of questions and be sure you understand the risks and benefits of any treatment you’re considering.