At the Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI), your back is their specialty. They’re happy to see you if you’re coming in from an in-state referral or from an out-of-state physician. The SSI team can provide a first, second or third opinion at any time to make sure you’re comfortable with any medical decision. It’s your health that’s on the line.

If you’re already an SSI patient, a second opinion is as easy and accessible as speaking with one of their friendly, professional staff to schedule an appointment with a different physician. No judgment. All the doctors at SSI are well qualified in their fields and more than willing to assist you in determining the best course of medical treatment for your condition.

Experience Counts When You Need a Second Opinion

There are times when only the opinion of a specialist will do. When you’re contending with an injury or disease that affects your spine, pain and discomfort are par for the course. A second opinion should always come from a doctor with qualified experience in treating your specific problem. You can rely on the expertise of SSI back physicians when it comes to diagnosing and treating spinal issues and concerns.

Never take a step down the medical ladder to a general practitioner or family doctor. While they’re highly knowledgeable, they may not be up-to-date on all the many groundbreaking and innovative treatments now available to treat your spinal ailments and afflictions. No general practitioner can keep up with every specialty. The field of medical science continues to grow and advance at such a rate that no team of family doctors can honestly be expected to keep pace with it all.

Your News Won’t Always Be What You Want to Hear

A second opinion doesn’t always differ from your first diagnosis and treatment recommendation. It may be one of those times when your doctor correctly surmised your medical prognosis. Just because you see a different doctor doesn’t necessarily guarantee a different outcome.

Sometimes, getting another opinion is more about putting your mind at ease about what ultimately is in your best interest. It’s your right — and your responsibility as a caretaker of your own health — to ask for a second, third or even fourth opinion. At the end of the day, you’re the one to decide a course of action and commit to a treatment plan. Medical experts agree that your procedure and recovery go much smoother when you’re committed to the process 100 percent.

Know Your Options

Getting another opinion is actually a fairly common procedure. If your doctor doesn’t support you, that should raise a serious red flag. Knowledgeable, experienced physicians generally encourage you to seek out a second doctor for an independent diagnosis, especially if they’re confident in their own.

If you’re considering a second opinion, don’t hesitate to explore your options. No major medical decision should ever be made in a day, especially when you’re the one that has to live with the results. So, take a breath and take the time you need. See as many doctors as it takes for you to be comfortable that you’re making the decision that’s best for you.