Pediatric General Surgery Second Opinions

Pediatric general surgeons at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are available to you or your physician to provide remote or on-site second opinions or consultations. We work with families and pediatric specialists from all over the country and around the world to provide second opinions and consultations so you can make informed decisions.

*Expectant parents: If your child has been prenatally diagnosed with a birth defect, please contact our Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at 800-468-8376 or via our online contact form to speak with a Fetal Therapy Coordinator about your child’s diagnosis.

Why and when to get a second opinion from a pediatric general surgeon

When your child receives a new diagnosis which may or may not require surgery — whether it's a common condition or rare disease — a second opinion or consultation, whether remote or in person, can give you information to help make an educated decision about treatment. Seeking a second opinion or consultation is very common. Families seek second opinions and consultations 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 a second opinion or consultation, whether remote or in person, helps helps clear up doubts you may have or provides you with the confirmation you need to proceed with treatment quickly.  Second opinions and consultation reports can be used to aid you and your treating physician with treatment decisions and planning.
• Needing help with a decision to start, stop, or change a treatment plan: It is not uncommon for parents to seek second opinions or consultations before their child receives treatment, so you can feel confident in the path you are on. Another common time to get a second opinion or consultation is when a change in treatment has been recommended, or you are seeking additional treatment for a returning or recurrent issue that may require surgery. Consultation reports will answer your questions.
• Seeking the opinion of a pediatric general surgeon with experience treating your child's condition: While your child’s provider may have experience treating other children with your child's condition, they may wish to obtain a second opinion from a pediatric general surgeon 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 or consultation, whether remote or in-person.