Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-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. Spine # A spine second opinion: turn different recommendations into a clearer choice 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. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 5 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Name the decision you need help with](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-1) 2. [Bring the full picture](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-2) 3. [Let the assessment establish its own reasoning](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-3) 4. [Use the same measures for each option](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-4) 5. [Decide what still needs clarification](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-5) 6. [Bring your questions to our spine team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-6) 7. [Use the second visit to examine the reasoning](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-7) 8. [Compare the same goals and the same diagnosis](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/spine-surgery-second-opinion/#consultation-questions) ## Name the decision you need help with You may want to know whether surgery is needed, whether the proposed timing makes sense, or whether there is another way to treat the same problem. Tell the second clinician which question matters most. A focused question helps avoid a visit that simply produces another procedure name. A second opinion is also reasonable when the first explanation did not leave you confident enough to decide. It is not a promise that another surgeon will recommend something less extensive. Its value is a clearer understanding of the options, including confirmation that the original plan is appropriate. Sources: [Keck Medicine of USC: When to Seek a Second Opinion for Spine Surgery](https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/when-to-seek-a-second-opinion-for-spine-surgery/) ## Bring the full picture Ask the office which records it needs in advance. Usually the useful material includes the actual imaging, reports, prior operative information, treatment history, and the written recommendation you want reviewed. A phone photograph of a report may not provide what the clinician needs to assess the plan. Prepare a short symptom timeline and a list of your current limitations. Include what helped, what did not, and any important change since the first opinion. If new imaging or examination findings have appeared, make that clear. Different recommendations based on different information are not necessarily a true disagreement. ## Let the assessment establish its own reasoning Explain your goals and symptoms, then ask the clinician to walk through the diagnosis and options. Share the earlier recommendation so it can be compared accurately. You can ask what the new clinician sees the same way and what they interpret differently. If recommendations diverge, sort the difference into a useful category. Is it about the likely pain source, the need for surgery at all, the urgency, the levels involved, or the technique? "One doctor said fusion and another did not" is the beginning of a question. The reason for that difference is what helps you decide. ## Use the same measures for each option Compare relevant choices against your own priorities: relief of a particular symptom, protecting function, recovery burden, risk, and the possibility of more treatment later. Ask which goals are realistic and which cannot be promised. If one plan involves waiting, ask what monitoring means and what would change the recommendation. If one involves more levels or another operation, ask what additional benefit is expected and what additional burden it brings. Mayo Clinic Health System encourages discussion of alternatives, surgical limits, and experience; those are useful comparison points when you are weighing more than one opinion. Sources: [Mayo Clinic Health System: Nine Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon](https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/9-questions-to-ask-your-spine-surgeon) ## Decide what still needs clarification After the visit, write a short comparison in your own words. Record where the clinicians agree, what differs, and which unanswered question prevents a decision. Ask whether a missing test, record, or conversation could resolve that question. You may want to return to the first surgeon with the second recommendation or ask for an independent opinion from another practice. Clarify cost, coverage, and whether the consultation includes an examination or only a record review. If symptoms are rapidly changing, ask about urgency rather than allowing the search for certainty to delay needed assessment. ## Bring your questions to our spine team Our spine team includes Dr. Leonel Hunt and Dr. Amandeep Bhalla, with clinical interests spanning complex spinal problems and a range of surgical approaches. Other Commons spine physicians offer additional perspectives, including motion preservation and decompression. Tell us which decision you are trying to make and provide the earlier recommendation. Ask the clinician to identify the points of agreement and explain any difference in diagnosis, timing, extent, or technique. Bring the tradeoffs that concern you back into the discussion. A useful second opinion leaves you with reasons you understand and a clearer choice, even if some uncertainty remains and you need one more conversation before deciding. ## Use the second visit to examine the reasoning The American College of Surgeons treats consultation as a normal part of medical practice when a patient still has doubts about an operation. Ask the second specialist to explain the indication, alternatives, expected effect on quality of life, and likely course without surgery. You do not need to ask them simply to vote for or against the first recommendation. Bring the specific point you do not understand, such as why fusion was added or why one surgeon favors waiting. That makes the comparison more useful. Sources: [Seeking a Consultation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/consultation/) ## Compare the same goals and the same diagnosis Mayo Clinic notes that back and leg pain can be complex and may need a team to diagnose and treat it. If two opinions differ, ask whether the difference begins with the diagnosis, the interpretation of imaging, the expected benefit, or your tolerance for risk. Write down each clinician’s explanation of the main symptom they are treating. If the recommendations still conflict, ask what additional examination or information could help resolve the uncertainty. Before scheduling, confirm whether either clinician sees a reason that a decision should not be delayed. Sources: [Back surgery: When is it a good idea?](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/back-surgery/art-20048274) 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. - Do you agree with the diagnosis, and what findings support your view? - Do we differ on whether surgery is needed or on how it should be done? - What explains a different recommendation about timing or number of levels? - What alternatives remain reasonable for my condition? - What outcome should I realistically expect from each option? - If I wait, what monitoring and warning signs matter? - Is there missing information that could resolve the disagreement? - What should I discuss with the first surgeon before deciding? - Where does your reasoning differ from the first opinion: diagnosis, target, timing, or procedure? - What additional information could resolve that difference? - Is it medically reasonable for me to take time to compare these elective options? ## Sources & further reading - [Keck Medicine of USC: When to Seek a Second Opinion for Spine Surgery](https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/when-to-seek-a-second-opinion-for-spine-surgery/) - [Mayo Clinic Health System: Nine Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon](https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/9-questions-to-ask-your-spine-surgeon) - [Seeking a Consultation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/preparing-for-surgery/consultation/) American College of Surgeons - [Back surgery: When is it a good idea?](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/back-surgery/art-20048274) Mayo Clinic 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/spine-surgery-second-opinion/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Leonel Hunt, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [More about Leonel Hunt ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [**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/) 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 > Very responsive sand helpful staff. H. Dasteel Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 29, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103965521409869486397/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Excerpt > He was so kind, attentive, warm and patient with us, and full of thoughtful guidance. C. Mazer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 14, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101162456196760270947/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD On the care experience: kindness and care 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 second opinion. Excerpt > Feom the office staff the Dr. L. T. Castillo Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 30, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114281369291796808142/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD On the care experience: staff and team support Excerpt > - Visited Dr Hunt for 2nd opinion after another ( top, top rated spine doctor) recommended surgery for a herniated disc L3-L4. P. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 6, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110725624379560948575/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD On 2nd opinion. 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 second opinion. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Patient experience ### [Choosing an orthopedic second opinion in LA, Long Beach, or Santa Monica](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/) 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. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/orthopedic-second-opinion-los-angeles/) 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/) Spine ### [Bone health before spine surgery: questions worth asking early](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/bone-health-before-spine-surgery/) Strong surgical planning includes the bone that must support implants or heal. If osteoporosis is suspected, ask how it should be assessed and addressed before an operation. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/bone-health-before-spine-surgery/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/leonel-hunt.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Beverly Hills [Meet Leonel Hunt](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [![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/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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