Second Opinions for Patients and Families

At Monroe Carell, we understand making decisions about your child's health care can be challenging and stressful. That's why for some of our specialties we can offer you a second opinion on your child's diagnosis. You can use the information we give you to make decisions about what treatments or therapies may be best for your child.

A second opinion can give you peace of mind. It can help make more certain that the first diagnosis is best or reveal other options that may have been missed. It's also important to get a fresh look at all the treatment choices available. In this way, our second opinion service can help you and your family move forward with the right care plan.

What is a second opinion?

The National Institutes of Health defines a second opinion as the opinion of a doctor other than the patient's current doctor. The second doctor reviews the patient's medical records. They then give an opinion about the patient's health problem and how it should be treated.

Why seek a second opinion?

A second opinion might agree with the initial diagnosis, helping you feel more secure in your child's treatment plan.

The second doctor might suggest other treatment possibilities that might help your child. 

If your child has a rare disease or condition, a second opinion from a doctor at Monroe Carell might help you learn about treatments and therapies that aren't available elsewhere.

A second opinion can give you peace of mind that you have thoroughly considered all options for your child's treatment.

How does a second opinion appointment work at Monroe Carell?

You don't need to worry about video or phone calls for online second opinions. Our physician will review your existing medical records and concentrate on the questions you've already provided. After that, you’ll receive a detailed written report outlining our physician’s opinion regarding your child's medical condition, diagnosis or treatment plan.

For in-person second opinions, you’ll bring your child’s medical records to their appointment. After a thorough exam, you’ll receive a detailed written report outlining our physician’s opinion regarding your child's medical condition, diagnosis or treatment plan.

Do all specialities offer a second opinion?

All our pediatric subspecialties offer second opinions. Some specialities may offer telehealth (virtual) second opinions. Others may need you and your child to visit in person so they can perform lab tests and physical exams. Based on your child’s condition, ask your care team which options are available to you.

What languages do you offer a second opinion in?

All of the medical records you provide need to be in English. However, we can have your treatment plan translated into another language. We can also have a translator available for any in-person clinic visits and on the phone for virtual second opinions. At Monroe Carell, we have interpreter services in Spanish and Arabic.

Does insurance cover a second opinion?

It’s important that you first make sure Vanderbilt is in-network with your insurance provider. Then, you’ll need to understand your plan’s specific coverage to know whether or not a second opinion is covered. If it is not covered, families can pay for this service using a credit card or health savings account (HSA) card.

Will my current doctor be offended if I seek a second opinion?

While it's important to have confidence in your doctor's skills, getting a second opinion is a widely accepted practice in health care. You don't have to let your doctor know about your decision. Don't worry about hurting their feelings.

Doctors know that seeking a second opinion doesn't mean you don't trust them. In fact, family doctors tend to appreciate insights other specialists can give them. That's why we give your second opinion report to them. This report can help them to decide on the best treatment plan for your child.

What if I want to transfer my child’s care to Monroe Carell after receiving a second opinion?

Let your care team know. We will help you provide the necessary forms and information to your current doctors to transfer your child’s information and medical records to us.