Second Opinions for Infectious Diseases

If your child has an infectious disease and you need help with treatment planning or any other advice, we are here to help. 

Pediatric infectious disease specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are available to consult with you or your physician on second opinion requests so you can make informed decisions about your child’s care. We can offer consultations, confirm diagnosis of infections, and offer treatment advice for children with any type of infectious disease.

For example, it is not uncommon for families to seek second opinions in the care of children with:

  • Recurrent fevers/Cyclic fevers
  • Recurrent infections
  • Prolonged fever
  • Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections (Rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, etc.)
  • Herpes virus infections (including recurrent infections)
  • Recurrent streptococcal infections (strep throat, perianal strep)
  • COVID-19
  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
  • Tropical infectious diseases
  • Fever in returning travelers
  • Infections in the bones or joints
  • Intra-abdominal or kidney infections
  • Infections in children with compromised immune systems
  • Latent tuberculosis/evaluation of children with a positive PPD or Quantiferon Gold blood test
  • Fungal infections
  • Pre- and post-travel consultation

We work with families and physicians from all over the country and around the world.

HOW TO GET A SECOND OPINION

Here are your options for requesting a second opinion or consultation from a pediatric infectious disease specialist at CHOP:

  1. Call 267-425-3377 to speak to a Division of Infectious Diseases Intake Coordinator about your child’s illness.
  2. U.S. residents: See if your child is a candidate for our Online Second Opinion/Consultation Program (currently only available in certain states)
  3. Non-U.S. residents: Contact our Global Patient Services team to learn more.

Why and when to get a second opinion from a pediatric infectious disease specialist

When your child receives a new diagnosis of any type of infectious disease, a second opinion will give you the information you need to make an educated decision about treatment that you feel confident in. Whether it is confirming a diagnosis or assistance in selecting the best medication or therapy to treat your child’s unique case, 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 returning or recurrent infection that won’t go away.

Seeking the opinion of an infectious disease specialist with experience treating your child's condition

While your child’s pediatrician/physician/healthcare provider may have experience treating other children with your child's infection or disease, they may wish to obtain a second opinion from a pediatric infectious disease specialist who is highly experienced with a particular diagnosis, especially when the disease 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.

Seeking more answers?

Some families that are looking for more information on their child’s diagnosis choose to use our remote consultation service.

Depending on your home state and the clinical specialty area, the online remote consultation program allows CHOP pediatric specialists to review your child’s medical records remotely and provide a detailed written consultation report that answers your specific questions based on the information provided. This differs from an in-person second opinion visit, which is also available, because your family doesn’t need to travel to Philadelphia. Instead, the service is 100% remote and digital. 

The Online Remote Consultation Program is available for families living in 23 states and covers 17 specialties.

Learn more about CHOP’s remote consultation program.
 


Next Steps
Doctor and child wearing masks in exam room

Second Opinions for Infectious Diseases

CHOP's pediatric infectious disease specialists are available to consult with you or your physician on second opinion requests.

Doctor holding young child

Prepare for Your Infectious Disease Clinic Visit

When your child comes for an appointment with our Infectious Disease Clinic, you will see one of our experienced and knowledgeable physicians.