What is a second opinion?

When is second opinion likely to be of use?

We don’t have a current treatment team. Is it possible to get an opinion about where to begin?

Will it be possible to transfer my care to your practice?

We are interested. How does the second opinion process work ?

When is second opinion likely to be of use?

• You or your team are uncertain about the causes, the diagnosis or what to do to help the problem
  
• There is more than one problem or diagnosis
• The problem is not responding to treatment
• Recommended treatments are disruptive, costly or have risks
  
• Several treatments or evaluations might be helpful and you or your team are not sure where to start
• You have received conflicting opinions
• You and your team have a difference of opinion or perspective

We don’t have a current treatment team. Is it possible to get an opinion about where to begin?  Sometimes  in non-urgent situations.  Parents in particular have found this service to be useful. It can take the form a one- time meeting to discuss your concerns, or may include additional steps such as review of records, or contact with other professionals who have been involved in the past.

Will it be possible to transfer my care to your practice?  I regret that this will not be possible. The fact that patients seen for a second opinion will not be referred to my treatment practice removes a possible conflict of interest. In addition, one of my reasons for offering a second opinion service is to be of use to more patients and families than would be possible through my solo treatment practice. If you are interested in treatment in my practice check here. If, after the second opinion, you decide to transfer your care from your current team I will be happy to give recommendations for other practitioners or clinics.

We are interested. How does the second opinion process work ? First, follow this link to set up a free fifteen minute phone appointment. You and I can decide together whether a second opinion might be of help. The next step is either a one-hour preliminary meeting, which may lead to a full consultation (below) or may be of sufficient help alone OR a full second opinion evaluation typically involving: 4-8 hours of in-person meetings, spread over 2-5 sessions, through 2-3 weeks;  phone consultation with current and past members of the treatment/evaluation team; review of records;  where relevant, gathering of information from school or medical personnel; feedback and recommendations