You deserve confidence in your care.
A second opinion is not a criticism of your prior doctor. It's a smart, informed step that every patient is entitled to take. Dr. Sonntag welcomes these consultations.
Reasons patients seek a second opinion.
You received a surgery recommendation and aren't sure it's right
Surgery is a significant decision. If you've been told you need an operation and something doesn't feel right, or you simply want another expert opinion before proceeding, Dr. Sonntag will review your imaging and history and give you an honest, independent assessment.
Your symptoms haven't improved after treatment
If you've had a procedure elsewhere and aren't recovering the way you expected, a revision evaluation can determine whether there's a structural issue, a rehab gap, or another cause, as well as what can be done about it.
You've been told nothing more can be done
Treatment options continue to evolve. If you've been told your only options are to live with the pain or have a major surgery you're not ready for, a second opinion may reveal alternatives worth considering.
You want to compare approaches before deciding
Different surgeons take different approaches to the same problem. Seeing more than one qualified opinion helps you make an informed decision that you can feel confident about.
Honest. Thorough. No pressure.
A second opinion appointment with Dr. Sonntag is a complete evaluation, not a rubber stamp. He reviews all imaging and records, performs his own examination, and gives you his honest clinical assessment, even if that means agreeing with what you were already told.
The goal is that you leave the appointment with a clear picture of what's going on and what the realistic options are, so you can make a decision you feel genuinely confident about.
What to bring to your second opinion visit.
The more information you bring, the more useful the consultation. If you don't have everything on the list, come anyway. We can often work with what you have and request additional records as needed.
- Imaging reports and discs (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
- Operative reports from any prior surgeries
- A list of treatments you've tried and how they went
- Your current medications
- A written list of questions; no question is too small
Had a prior surgery that didn't go as planned?
Revision surgery, which corrects or addresses a prior orthopedic procedure, is a specialized area that requires careful evaluation. Not every post-operative complication requires a revision, and not every patient who needs one was poorly treated the first time.
Dr. Sonntag will review your history thoroughly and give you an honest answer about whether revision surgery is appropriate, what it would involve, and what you can realistically expect.
Schedule a Revision ConsultationQuestions to ask before shoulder, hip, or knee surgery
Use a second opinion to understand the diagnosis, compare the proposed treatment with alternatives, and make a plan that reflects your daily life and goals.
- Which findings explain my symptoms, and what is still uncertain?
- What nonsurgical options are reasonable in my situation?
- What are the benefits and risks of proceeding, waiting, or continuing current treatment?
- What help might I need at home, and how could treatment affect my work?
- If you recommend a different approach, what finding changes your recommendation?
Second-opinion questions
What if the two opinions differ?
Ask each clinician to explain the findings behind the recommendation, including any uncertainty. Comparing those explanations may be more useful than comparing procedure names alone.
Do I need another MRI before a second opinion?
Ask the scheduling team how to share existing images and reports first. The evaluating clinician can determine whether additional testing is needed.
Will insurance cover a second opinion?
Check with your insurer and OSMC about your specific plan, network participation, referrals, and any authorization requirements before scheduling.
Let's get you moving again.
Request a consultation and Dr. Sonntag's team will be in touch, typically within one business day. Most major insurance accepted.