Second Opinions
A Second Opinion From a Neurosurgeon
Surgery has been recommended, a diagnosis does not quite fit, or a scan has found something you would like explained. You can ask a specialist to look at it again, and you do not need your surgeon's permission to do so. If you are not sure whether you need a referral, contact us and we will advise the best next step.
Brain, spine and cerebrovascular conditions. Every case is evaluated by Dr. Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS, directly. About Dr. Khan
The short answer
A second opinion is an independent specialist review of your diagnosis, your imaging and the treatment that has been proposed. It may confirm the plan, suggest a different approach, recommend monitoring, or conclude that an operation is not needed. Whichever it is, you decide with more information than you had before.
You do not need your surgeon's permission
Asking for another opinion does not require the agreement of the surgeon who made the first recommendation, and it is not a complaint about anyone.
Not sure about a referral?
Some insurance plans require a referral before a specialist visit is covered. The number on your insurance card can tell you, or call us and we will advise the best next step.
Medicare covers second surgical opinions
Medicare Part B covers a second opinion before medically necessary, non-emergency surgery, and a third if the first two differ. After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
A second opinion is for planned care, not emergencies
If any of these are happening now, even if they go away, call 911. Do not wait, and do not drive yourself. Accept the emergency care first. Your right to ask a specialist about what happens next is not lost. It simply comes afterward.
- A sudden, severe headache that peaks within seconds to minutes, or feels like the worst headache of your life
- A severe headache with a stiff neck, repeated vomiting or unusual drowsiness
- New weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the face or body
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden loss of vision, double vision, or a newly drooping eyelid
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, or a seizure
- Weakness or numbness in both arms or both legs that is getting worse quickly, or new trouble walking
- New numbness around the groin, buttocks or inner thighs, new trouble passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control
When to get a second opinion
Asking is not a sign that you are unhappy with your doctor. It is a way to be sure before a decision that is hard to undo.
Surgery has been recommended
Particularly an operation on the brain or spine. Another specialist review can confirm the plan, or identify another option worth discussing.
You are choosing between treatments
Coiling or clipping for an aneurysm, for example, or treatment now versus careful monitoring for a slow-growing tumor.
A scan found something unexpected
An aneurysm, a meningioma or another finding on a scan that was done for a different reason, and you would like to understand what it means for you.
Your symptoms and diagnosis do not match
Symptoms persist despite treatment, or the findings do not seem to explain what you are feeling, and you would like a specialist to look again at your options.
You were treated in an emergency
In an emergency, the team on call provides the immediate care. Once you are stable, planning further treatment is a separate decision, and you can ask for a second opinion on it.
You have been advised to travel for treatment
Sometimes a larger center farther away is the right choice. Before you commit to the journey, a local specialist opinion can help you decide.
Match the second opinion to the problem
A good chauffeur cannot replace an airline pilot. Both are skilled, in different jobs. Neurosurgery works in a similar way. Every neurosurgeon trains in brain and spine surgery, and some go on to complete fellowship training in a particular area.
Dr. Khan's fellowship training is in cerebrovascular surgery, endovascular technique and neurotrauma. Whoever you see, it is always reasonable to ask about their training and their experience with a condition like yours.
Second opinions we provide
Brain, spine and cerebrovascular conditions, reviewed by a neurosurgeon fellowship-trained in cerebrovascular surgery, endovascular technique and neurotrauma.
Aneurysms and cerebrovascular conditions
Dr. Khan is trained in both open cerebrovascular surgery and catheter-based endovascular treatment, so an opinion on coiling or clipping is not tied to a single technique.
Brain tumors
Including meningiomas, where the question is often whether to treat now or to watch, and gliomas, where protecting function matters as much as removing tumor.
Spine
When surgery has been recommended for spinal stenosis, a herniated disc or degenerative change, or when a spinal compression fracture is not settling.
Head injury and neurotrauma
Particularly when symptoms have not settled in the weeks after an injury that was treated elsewhere.
A headache, confusion, drowsiness or weakness that is new or getting worse after a head injury needs the emergency department, even weeks later.
Complex neurology
Headache syndromes and other neurological symptoms, where the question is whether a cause that needs neurosurgical or endovascular care should be ruled in or out.
Not sure which applies?
Call and describe the situation briefly, and we will advise the best next step.
How a second opinion works here
Get in touch
Call (810) 212-4100, or send an inquiry through our contact form and choose Second Opinion as the inquiry type. In the form, give only your name and how to reach you, and leave out medical details. We will contact you and advise the best next step.
Gather your records
Ask the facility that did your scans for the images on CD or USB and the written radiology reports, and add clinic letters and any operative notes. You have a right to copies of your own records, and under HIPAA a request must generally be acted on within 30 days.
See Dr. Khan
A history, a focused examination, and your imaging reviewed with you. We start with what you bring. If additional testing is needed, it is recommended selectively and explained clearly.
A clear opinion, shared if you want it
Dr. Khan explains whether she recommends surgery, another approach or monitoring, and why. If more tests are needed first, she will explain that too. With your permission, we can share recommendations with your current doctor so your care stays continuous.
Dr. Khan explains every option, including not operating, and recommends surgery only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. A second opinion here may confirm the plan, propose a different approach, recommend monitoring, or clarify that intervention is not indicated.
What to bring
The actual images, not just a summary letter, make a second opinion far more useful.
Imaging and reports
- MRI, CT or angiography images on CD or USB
- The written radiology report for each scan
- The date of each scan and where it was done
Letters and notes
- The letter or note describing what has been recommended
- Notes from prior specialists, emergency visits or hospital stays
- Operative notes, if you have had surgery before
- A short timeline of your symptoms and your current medication list
Your forms
Complete the form that matches your condition before you come in, and bring photo identification and your insurance card.
Will my doctor mind?
Second opinions are a routine part of surgical care, and surgeons are used to being asked, especially before a major operation. Framing it as wanting to feel confident, rather than as doubting the advice, keeps the conversation comfortable for everyone.
You are not committing to change teams. Some people get a second opinion, feel reassured, and go ahead with their original plan. That is a good outcome too.
Second opinion questions
Do I need a referral for a second opinion?
Requirements vary by insurer and location. If you have a referral, it helps with coordination. If not, contact us and we will advise the best next step.
Does Medicare cover a second opinion?
Yes, when surgery has been recommended. Medicare Part B covers a second opinion for medically necessary, non-emergency surgery. After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If the first and second opinions differ, Medicare also covers a third. Medicare Advantage plans can have different referral and network rules, so check with your plan, and call us to check how your coverage applies here.
Will you repeat my scans or tests?
Often, no. We start by reviewing what you bring. If additional testing is needed, it is recommended selectively and explained clearly.
Can a second opinion be non-surgical?
Yes. A second opinion may confirm surgery, propose a different approach, recommend monitoring, or clarify that intervention is not indicated.
Can you coordinate with my current doctor?
Yes. With your permission, we can share recommendations and coordination guidance so your care remains continuous and practical.
My surgery is already booked. Is it too late to ask?
No. Consent to a planned procedure is not irreversible, and you may withdraw it at any point before the operation. If a date is already booked and you want another view first, say so promptly so the timing can be managed sensibly. Ask the treating team what postponing would mean clinically, because for some conditions delay carries real risk and for others it carries very little.
I was treated in an emergency. Can I get a second opinion on what happens next?
Yes. In an emergency, accept the immediate care. Once you are stable, planning further treatment is a separate decision, and you can ask for a second opinion from a specialist whose training matches your condition.
Do I have to tell my current doctor?
No, although it usually helps, because records are easier to gather when your team knows. Either way, the decision about your care remains yours.
Can I send my scans or records through the website?
Please do not. The forms on this website are not a secure channel for health information. Bring documents to your appointment, arrange delivery through your current practice, or call the office and we will tell you the safest way to send them.
Sources: Medicare coverage of second surgical opinions, Medicare.gov. Your right to copies of your records, 45 CFR 164.524. Checked September 2026.
This page is general information to help you decide whether to seek a second opinion. It is not medical, legal or insurance advice about your situation, and coverage rules can change, so confirm the details with your insurer.
Ask for a second opinion
Call us, or send an inquiry with just your name and how to reach you, and we will advise the best next step.