Team members from the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine 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 physicians from all over the country and around the world to confirm diagnoses and provide second opinions on treatment recommendations so you can make informed decisions.

How to get a second opinion

Here are your options for requesting a second opinion:

1. Call 267-426-6840 to speak to an Intake Coordinator about your child’s case. We would be happy to see your family in person at any of our CHOP locations. Or, submit an online request. 
2. U.S. residents: See if your child is a candidate for our Online Remote Consultation Program (currently only available for select states). This program allows our pediatric specialists to review a patient's medical records and provide a consultation report that answers specific questions based on the information provided. This program is not generally covered by insurance. You should check with your plan.
3. Non-U.S. residents: Contact our Global Patient Services team to learn more.

Why and when to get a second opinion

When your child receives a new diagnosis — whether it's a routine or rare condition — a second opinion will give you the information you need to make an educated decision about treatment that you feel confident in. Seeking a second opinion is very common. Families seek second opinions for many 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 treatment quickly.

Needing help with a decision to start, stop, or change a treatment plan

It is common to seek a second opinion before your child receives any treatment, so you can feel confident in the path you are on. Another common time to get a second opinion is when a change in treatment has been recommended, or you are seeking additional treatment for a surgical problem.

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

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