Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) surgery second opinions

Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) surgery second opinions

Pediatric Otolaryngologists — also known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists —at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are available to consult with you or your physician on second opinion requests. We work with families and clinicians around the world to confirm diagnoses or to provide second opinions.

How to get a second opinion

Here are your options for requesting a second opinion from the ENT team at CHOP:

  1. In-person or Telemedicine: Call 215-590-3440 and ask to speak to someone on our team. They can review the process and options of obtaining a second opinion appointment. 
  2. U.S. residents: See if your child is a candidate for our Online Second Opinion/Consultation Program, which is currently only allowed in some states.
  3. Non-U.S. residents: Contact our Global Patient Services team to learn more.

Why get a second opinion from an Otolaryngologist

When your child has received a new diagnosis of any type, a second opinion will give you the information you need to make an informed and educated decision about treatment. A second opinion can also provide reassurance as you make decisions about your child's care. Families seek second opinions for a variety of reasons, including:

Feeling uncomfortable with or needing confirmation of a diagnosis

When your child receives a new diagnosis you likely hope to make a treatment plan as soon as possible. You may find that getting a second opinion can clear up any doubts you may have or provide you with the confirmation you need to proceed with the recommended treatment quickly.

Seeking the opinion of a specialist with experience treating your child's condition

While your child’s specialist may have the knowledge about treating other children with your child's condition, they may wish for you to obtain a second opinion from a pediatric ENT specialist who is highly experienced with a particular diagnosis, especially when the disease is very rare. CHOP specialists may be aware of new treatment methods or clinical trials and can share that information during a second opinion.

When to get a second opinion

The best time to get a second opinion is before your child receives any treatment or a surgical procedure. Another common time to get a second opinion is when a change in treatment has been recommended.