Get a Second Opinion for Heart Surgery
Are you thinking about heart surgery or feeling unsure about your cardiac surgery treatment plan? Get a second opinion at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth. You can schedule an in-person or virtual consultation whether you’re already a patient at St. Elizabeth or receiving care elsewhere. Count on our specialists to give you peace of mind and help you feel confident about your next steps.
When to Get a Heart Surgery Second Opinion
If you are facing heart surgery, you might have questions about your diagnosis or what treatment is right for you.
With recent advances in heart care, you have options. St. Elizabeth surgeons offer the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures. This means you’ll have smaller incisions—about 2 centimeters, or the size of a peanut—and experience a faster recovery.
We want you to feel comfortable with every healthcare decision you make. That’s why we offer second opinions for current patients and patients under the care of other providers. We offer second opinion consultations for any recommended surgical heart procedure, including:
The Benefits of a Second Opinion
A second opinion helps you understand all your treatment options. You may benefit from a heart surgery second opinion if:
Our team will answer all your questions and discuss every available treatment option. Then, we’ll make recommendations based on your health and long-term goals.
A Team of Heart Specialists Working for You
At St. Elizabeth, our team works together to deliver a personalized care plan for each patient. Whether we’re your first stop or you’re here for a second opinion, you can expect our team of heart surgeons and cardiologists to review your case. This means that at St. Elizabeth, you always benefit from multiple expert opinions. When you choose St. Elizabeth, you have access to a full range of heart services to support your health journey. These include:
How to Get a Second Opinion at St. Elizabeth
We know that speed is important when it comes to healthcare decisions. We offer in-person and online second opinion appointments within days of your request.
You can schedule a second opinion appointment directly with our team without a referral from your doctor. You can also work with your primary care provider, cardiovascular nurse navigator or another provider on your care team to coordinate a second opinion consult.
Many insurance plans cover some or all the costs of second opinion consultations. You do not have to transfer your care to St. Elizabeth to get a second opinion.
Before your appointment, we’ll work closely with you and your care team to complete the necessary paperwork, coordinate with your insurance and access your medical records.
What Happens During a Second Opinion Consult?
During a second opinion consult at St. Elizabeth, we’ll review your previous test results. We’ll also make sure you understand your diagnosis and talk with you about every available treatment option.
You do not need to repeat cardiac testing to get a second opinion. However, we may recommend additional testing after your second opinion consultation.
