Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # What medical records to bring for an orthopedic second opinion The right records help a second-opinion visit focus on your decision. Confirm what the clinician needs, arrange a usable transfer, and bring a short treatment timeline rather than an unorganized stack. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Ask the receiving office what is essential](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-1) 2. [Request copies through the right route](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-2) 3. [Keep images, reports, and dates together](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-3) 4. [Create a one-page treatment timeline](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-4) 5. [Check that the packet is complete before you travel](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-5) 6. [Prepare for a second opinion with our team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-6) 7. [Request a useful set of records, with a receiving address](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-7) 8. [Check that an image study can actually be reviewed](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/#consultation-questions) ## Ask the receiving office what is essential Start with the question you want the consultation to answer, then ask which records are needed to address it. An earlier operation, an injection, or a therapy course may each generate different information. Ask whether the clinician needs images themselves as well as reports, and whether they need an operative note rather than only a discharge summary. HealthIT.gov recommends identifying the information and format needed before requesting a record. A targeted request can make the transfer easier to follow. Sources: [HealthIT.gov: Get It, Check It, Use It — Get your health record](https://healthit.gov/get-it-check-it-use-it/get-it/) ## Request copies through the right route Check the patient portal or ask the office responsible for releasing records. HHS explains that, with limited exceptions, patients can inspect and obtain copies of records held by covered providers and plans. Ask about the process, available format, expected timing, and any copy charge. If the material is being sent directly to another office, confirm the correct destination and contact. Avoid assuming that sharing a healthcare organization’s name is enough to identify the intended physician and location. Sources: [U.S. HHS: Your Medical Records](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html) ## Keep images, reports, and dates together For each scan or X-ray, record the body area, date, and place it was obtained. Ask the receiving office whether the file or disc opens in its system and whether an image-sharing link has been received. A report describes an interpretation; the clinician may still want to inspect the images. If you only have a screenshot or a photograph, tell the office and ask how to obtain the original study. Do not send sensitive records through an unconfirmed public upload route. ## Create a one-page treatment timeline Write when symptoms began, important changes, earlier consultations, treatments attempted, and the response you noticed. Include current medicines, allergies, and the recommendation you are asking about. Keep observations separate from conclusions: 'I could walk farther for two weeks afterward' gives the reviewing clinician more context than 'the injection worked.' You can bring the detailed records behind that summary. A clear timeline helps the new clinician see the sequence without asking you to remember every date during the visit. ## Check that the packet is complete before you travel Contact the receiving office ahead of the appointment and ask whether any essential item is missing. If something will be delayed, ask whether the visit can still answer your main question. Keep a copy of the request details and confirmation so you can follow up with the right office. A second opinion may still need new information after examination, but missing records should be an identified issue rather than a surprise after a long drive. ## Prepare for a second opinion with our team Our Commons Clinic physicians cover spine, joint, sports, hand, and foot and ankle care. Confirm the appropriate clinician and appointment location, then ask how that office wants records delivered. Bring your main decision in one sentence: 'I want to understand whether this operation is the appropriate next step' or 'I need help understanding why these recommendations differ.' The records support that discussion; your symptoms, function, and goals remain central to it. ## Request a useful set of records, with a receiving address AMA records guidance recognizes records as important for future care and authorized transfer. Ask the second-opinion office what it needs before sending everything you have. The useful set may include the first recommendation, relevant examination notes, prior operation details, and treatment response. Make a list of where each item is held and which authorization is needed. Ask how receipt is confirmed and what to do about an incomplete record. Keep the appointment question attached to the request so the receiving team knows what information the consultation is intended to clarify. Sources: [Management of Medical Records — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 3.3.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/management-medical-records) ## Check that an image study can actually be reviewed RadiologyInfo distinguishes access to medical images and their reports. Ask the imaging facility and receiving office how the complete study should be transferred, and whether a secure link, disc, or another accepted method is needed. Include earlier studies if the clinician wants to compare change over time. Confirm that the files open before the appointment when possible. A photo of a report on your phone can help identify the study, but ask whether it supplies enough information for the planned consultation rather than assuming it replaces the images. Sources: [How to Obtain and Share Your Medical Images](https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-your-medical-images) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which records are necessary to answer my second-opinion question? - Do you need the images themselves and their reports? - Are earlier operative notes or therapy records important? - Which file format or image-transfer service does this office accept? - Where should the sending office deliver the records? - How can I confirm the files arrived and open correctly? - What should I do if an essential item is delayed? - Can we review my treatment timeline and the original recommendation together? - Which records are essential to the question this second opinion should answer? - How will your office confirm that the complete image files open correctly? - If a previous operation report cannot be obtained in time, should the consultation plan change? ## Sources & further reading - [HealthIT.gov: Get It, Check It, Use It — Get your health record](https://healthit.gov/get-it-check-it-use-it/get-it/) - [U.S. HHS: Your Medical Records](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html) - [Management of Medical Records — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 3.3.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/management-medical-records) American Medical Association - [How to Obtain and Share Your Medical Images](https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-your-medical-images) American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America · Reviewed August 5, 2024 We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/medical-records-orthopedic-second-opinion/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Amandeep Bhalla, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [More about Amandeep Bhalla ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) [**Richard Ahn, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [More about Richard Ahn ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**David Lee, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [More about David Lee ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > After reviewing my xrays and MRI, he explained things precisely. J. Murphy Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 11, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105480235033606703380/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Explained things to me when I had questions. S. McHenry Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117855849438780139970/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Dr. Ahn quickly recognized that I had a rare glomus tumor and clearly explained the surgical process, which gave me great confidence and reassurance. A. B Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 26, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104309920648621439197/place/ChIJ5ZcieJcz3YARAmR7mrBZU7Q) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Richard Ahn, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > He presented options honestly as if you are his family. M. Hansen Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 17, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114835339402147359458/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > Dr and staff very professional and explained everything. E. Frankett Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 24, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112023657823977410239/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Very patient and explained my options. D. Regan Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 3, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100522067221222702517/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD On the care experience: explanations Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [How to prepare for your first orthopedic visit and leave with a plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/preparing-first-orthopedic-visit/) A short symptom story, the right records, and a few priorities can help your first orthopedic visit end with a plan you understand. You do not need to arrive with your own diagnosis. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/preparing-first-orthopedic-visit/) Choosing your care ### [How to read physician reviews without confusing experience with outcomes](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/how-to-read-physician-reviews/) Patient reviews are most useful when they help you recognize the experience you want and prepare better questions. Read the details, the source, and the limits of each account. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/how-to-read-physician-reviews/) Choosing your care ### [Who is the best orthopedic physician for your problem? Start with fit](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) The right orthopedic physician starts with your problem, your goals, and a clear explanation of the choices. Use expertise, communication, and access together when making your decision. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Amandeep Bhalla](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [![Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/richard-ahn-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand ### [Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Richard Ahn](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/david-lee-md.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle ### [David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Long Beach – Douglas Park · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet David Lee](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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