What a free second-opinion review is
A free second-opinion review is a courtesy screening for people who have been told they need spine surgery, or who still have symptoms after an operation. You send the spine MRI or CT you already have, its report, and the name of the operation that was recommended. Dr. Jonathan Hobbs looks at the actual images, not just the report, and the office calls you to explain whether a second-opinion consultation makes sense.
The review is not a diagnosis or a medical consultation, and it cannot tell you whether to have the operation. That takes an examination and a conversation. There is no charge for the review and insurance is not required for it. It is the same process as the free MRI review, started from a different question.
Who this is for
- You have been told you need a spine operation and want another surgeon to look at the images before you decide.
- You have ongoing symptoms after a prior operation and want to discuss the next step.
- Your symptoms and imaging findings seem difficult to reconcile.
- You want to understand the expected benefits, limitations, and recovery demands of an operation before deciding.
- You live outside Northwest Indiana and want to know whether the trip is worthwhile before you make it.
Related information: persistent pain after back surgery, revision spine surgery, and spinal fusion.
How it works
- Request the review. Call (219) 250-5010 during office hours and ask for a free second-opinion review with Dr. Hobbs.
- Send your records. The office explains how to send your imaging: through a secure upload link, by bringing or mailing the disc from your imaging center to the Crown Point office, or by asking your imaging center to send the study electronically. Include the written report and the name of the operation that was recommended.
- Dr. Hobbs reviews the images. The office calls you within two business days after the images arrive with his recommendation for the next step.
- Decide whether to come in. If a second-opinion consultation makes sense, the office can schedule it during that call. The consultation is an office visit and is billed in the usual way.
The free review and the consultation
Free second-opinion review
- No charge, and no insurance or referral needed.
- Done from your imaging and records, without a visit.
- Ends with a phone call from the office.
- Tells you whether a consultation is worthwhile.
Second-opinion consultation
- An office visit with Dr. Hobbs.
- Includes your history and a physical examination.
- Covers the proposed operation, the alternatives, and what each is intended to improve.
- Scheduled and billed in the usual way.
A second opinion may agree with the first recommendation, suggest a different approach, or identify questions that require further evaluation. It does not guarantee a different diagnosis or a particular treatment.
What to have ready
- Your most recent spine MRI or CT and its written report. Ask your imaging center for the actual images, not only the report.
- The name of the operation that was recommended, and the clinic note if you have it.
- Operative reports and any imaging taken afterward, if you have already had spine surgery.
- A short list of treatments you have tried, such as physical therapy, injections, or medications.
- Your main question: what you most want to know before you decide.
Questions to bring to a consultation
- Which findings explain my symptoms, and what remains uncertain?
- What are the reasonable nonsurgical and surgical options?
- What is each option intended to improve?
- What are the risks, recovery expectations, and reasons symptoms could persist?
- What happens if I wait, and which changes would require urgent attention?
Appointments and coverage
Consultations are available through the offices listed on the locations page, subject to scheduling availability. Ask your insurer about second-opinion benefits and any referral or authorization requirements. See appointment preparation.
If your symptoms are urgent
New loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, rapidly worsening weakness, or severe pain after a fall or injury needs urgent evaluation. Call 911 or go to an emergency department rather than waiting for a review.
If your treating team has identified an urgent problem, follow its instructions and do not delay necessary care while waiting for a review or another appointment.
Common questions
Is the second-opinion review really free?
Yes. The review of your imaging and the follow-up phone call are a courtesy of the practice. If you and the office decide a consultation is the right next step, that visit is scheduled and billed in the usual way.
How is this different from the free MRI review?
It is the same review. People who have already been told they need surgery usually ask for a second opinion, and others ask for an MRI review. Either request reaches the same process, and Dr. Hobbs looks at the images either way.
Will the review tell me whether to have the surgery?
No. The review tells you whether a second-opinion consultation is worthwhile. A recommendation about an operation requires an examination, your history, and a conversation with Dr. Hobbs during a visit.
Do I need a referral or a new MRI?
No referral is needed to request the review. Use the imaging you already have. Do not order new imaging because of this page; if more imaging would help, the office will tell you after the review.
I live outside Northwest Indiana. Can I still request a review?
Yes. The review is done from your records, so you can find out whether the trip is worthwhile before you make it. Consultations take place at the Indiana offices.
How long does it take?
Once your images arrive, expect a call from the office within two business days.
What if my surgery is already scheduled?
Call (219) 250-5010 as soon as you can and tell the office your surgery date. Do not postpone an operation your surgeon considers urgent because a review is pending.