Spine Surgery Second Opinion

If you have been told you need spine surgery, a second opinion is reasonable and common. Most insurance plans cover it. Dr. Robert J. Ames, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, provides second opinions for patients in Sewell, Cherry Hill, and across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

When a second opinion makes sense

You were advised to have a spinal fusion and want to know whether a less invasive option, such as disc replacement or endoscopic surgery, could work
You were told surgery is your only option, but you have not tried physical therapy or injections
You are facing a multi-level or deformity operation
You had prior spine surgery and your symptoms returned or never improved
The recommended operation does not seem to match your symptoms

What to bring

Your MRI, CT, and X-ray images (the disc or download link, not only the written report)
Notes from the surgeon who recommended surgery
A list of treatments you have tried, including physical therapy and injections
Your medication list

What to expect

Dr. Ames reviews your history and imaging, examines you, and gives you a direct answer: whether surgery is likely to help, which operation fits your problem, and what non-surgical options remain. Sometimes the answer confirms the original recommendation. Sometimes a smaller operation, a different approach, or no surgery is the better choice.

Common questions

Will my surgeon be offended? No. Spine surgeons expect patients to seek second opinions before major surgery.

Does insurance cover a second opinion? Most plans do. Check whether your plan requires a referral.

Schedule a second opinion

Call (609) 267-9400 to see Dr. Ames at Virtua Reconstructive Orthopaedics in Sewell or Cherry Hill, NJ.

Request an Appointment