Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/) 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. Patient experience # Choosing an orthopedic second opinion in LA, Long Beach, or Santa Monica A second opinion can help you understand an uncertain diagnosis, compare treatment choices, or feel more prepared for a major decision. Choose the right expertise and make the visit answer a clear question. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Decide what you want another opinion to clarify](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-1) 2. [Match the expertise to the body area and decision](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-2) 3. [Arrange the records before the consultation](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-3) 4. [Choose an appointment location you can keep using](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-4) 5. [Compare the reasons behind the recommendations](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-5) 6. [Leave with a decision process, not another pile of information](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-6) 7. [Define what you want the second opinion to resolve](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-7) 8. [Send the images as well as the report](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/#consultation-questions) ## Decide what you want another opinion to clarify A second opinion is most useful when you can state the decision in front of you. Perhaps you have been offered surgery, two clinicians have explained the problem differently, or an initial plan has not helped enough. Write that question in one sentence. Bring the earlier recommendation rather than asking the next physician to guess what was proposed. Another opinion may confirm the first plan, refine it, or offer a different direction; useful clarity does not depend on receiving a different answer. ## Match the expertise to the body area and decision AAOS notes that orthopedic surgeons can provide a second opinion on diagnosis or a treatment recommendation and that many focus on particular areas. Ask whether the clinician regularly evaluates the condition or procedure being discussed, including care after previous treatment when relevant. A hip-preservation question differs from a joint-replacement question, and a hand nerve problem differs from a spine problem. If the diagnosis is uncertain, describe the symptoms and existing recommendations to the scheduling team so they can help route the appointment. Sources: [AAOS OrthoInfo: What Is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/orthopaedics/) ## Arrange the records before the consultation Ask what the reviewing clinician needs: prior visit notes, images and reports, earlier operative notes, injection details, or therapy progress. Confirm whether the images themselves arrived, not just the report. HealthIT.gov recommends specifying the information, format, and delivery destination when requesting records. Keep a brief timeline of symptoms, treatment, and response to make the sequence easy to follow. If an item will be late, tell the office in advance and ask whether it is essential for that appointment. Sources: [HealthIT.gov: Get It, Check It, Use It — Get your health record](https://healthit.gov/get-it-check-it-use-it/get-it/) ## Choose an appointment location you can keep using For a visit in Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Santa Monica, consider the route from your home or work, parking, mobility access, and how you would return for follow-up if you choose treatment. Our directory lists the locations associated with each Commons Clinic clinician. Confirm the physician’s current appointment location with the office, since a clinic address and a surgical facility are different arrangements. Ask whether records can be reviewed in advance and whether an in-person assessment is needed for the question you are bringing. ## Compare the reasons behind the recommendations Ask each clinician to explain the diagnosis, the purpose of treatment, the alternatives, and what would happen if you wait. The American College of Surgeons recommends discussing personal risks, recovery, and the reason an operation is proposed. If two opinions differ, ask what finding or assumption accounts for the difference. A recommendation for surgery and one for another treatment trial may reflect different judgments about the same information. Request the reasoning in writing so you can review it without relying on memory. Sources: [American College of Surgeons: Questions to Ask before Having an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) ## Leave with a decision process, not another pile of information At Commons Clinic, our spine, sports, joint, hand, and foot and ankle physicians offer different kinds of expertise. The linked profiles below can help you find an appropriate starting point. Confirm insurance, consultation costs, referral needs, and any deadline for a time-sensitive decision. Ask the treating team whether waiting for another opinion is medically reasonable in your case. After the visit, list what you understand better, which questions remain, and the next conversation needed to make a decision that fits your circumstances. ## Define what you want the second opinion to resolve AMA guidance supports patients seeking another opinion and asks physicians to explain referral findings clearly. Before scheduling in LA, Long Beach, or Santa Monica, write the question you want answered: is the diagnosis convincing, is the proposed procedure appropriate, or are there reasonable alternatives? Ask what type of consultation addresses that question and whether you need an in-person examination. Bring the first recommendation, but also your own goals and concerns. Confirm insurance and record requirements early so the visit can focus on the clinical question. Sources: [Consultation, Referral & Second Opinions — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.2.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/consultation-referral-second-opinions) ## Send the images as well as the report RadiologyInfo explains how images and reports can support a second opinion and comparison with earlier studies. Ask the receiving office which format it accepts and how it confirms that files open correctly. A written report, a screenshot, and the complete image study are different items; check what is needed for your consultation. Make a simple inventory with study dates and facilities. After the visit, ask for a summary that sets out where the opinions agree, where they differ, and what information could resolve the difference. 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. - What question should this second opinion help me answer? - Does your practice focus on this condition or the proposed procedure? - Which previous records and images are essential? - How does your explanation compare with the first recommendation? - If the recommendations differ, which findings explain that difference? - What are the reasonable alternatives and consequences of waiting? - What recovery and follow-up would treatment involve? - Which office should I use, and what costs or referrals should I confirm? - What precise question should this second-opinion visit be designed to answer? - Can your office confirm that the complete outside image studies are readable before I travel? - If the recommendations differ, what evidence or finding explains the difference? ## Sources & further reading - [AAOS OrthoInfo: What Is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/orthopaedics/) - [HealthIT.gov: Get It, Check It, Use It — Get your health record](https://healthit.gov/get-it-check-it-use-it/get-it/) - [American College of Surgeons: Questions to Ask before Having an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) - [Consultation, Referral & Second Opinions — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 1.2.3](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/consultation-referral-second-opinions) 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/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Hyun Bae, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [More about Hyun Bae ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [**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/) [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) 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 > She is full of knowledge with a bedside manner of a caring parent. E. Shaw Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 21, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110968528482589218210/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: kindness and care Excerpt > From the front office staff, the nurse practitioners, and the Doctor, super professional. J. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 13, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101932005982097462198/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Excerpt > Everyone from office staff, the Nurse, PA and the Doctor were all incredibly warm, kind and knowledgeable. K. Thomas Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 13, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109958198253023114260/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Excerpt > Everyone in the office was very professional and considerate. J. Lipin Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 8, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105885122087135145452/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: professionalism Excerpt > I went to Dr. Bhalla for a second opinion and I’m really glad I did. S. Rizuto Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 25, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102689141532730804598/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > He thoroughly explained my options for treatment and even suggested for me to get a second opinion before I decided to have surgery with him. J. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 14, 2017 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114026133867798385828/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, 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. Spine ### [A spine second opinion: turn different recommendations into a clearer choice](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/) A second opinion can confirm a plan or reveal a useful difference. Prepare the same records and questions so you can understand where the recommendations agree—and why they may differ. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/) Knee ### [Pain after a knee replacement: preparing for a revision second opinion](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/pain-after-joint-replacement-second-opinion/) A useful second opinion starts by identifying why the knee hurts before deciding whether another operation is likely to help. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/pain-after-joint-replacement-second-opinion/) Patient experience ### [Choosing a physician who helps you feel heard](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/) Feeling heard matters when pain is interrupting your life or a treatment decision feels difficult. Look for listening, respect, and an explanation that gives you room to ask another question. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/compassion-and-bedside-manner/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/hyun-bae-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Santa Monica [Meet Hyun Bae](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [![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/) [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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