Chicago Neuroscience Institute
(847) 888-1811 Elgin, Illinois
(847) 888-1811 Elgin, Illinois
Cni Second opinions
Why Choose CNI for a NEUROLOGICAL SECOND OPINION?
When to Consider a Neurological Second Opinion?
Consider obtaining a second opinion when you are facing important or difficult treatment decisions. In summary, a second opinion is also appropriate if you are not responding favorably to a current course of care. A second opinion may be necessary if your condition is:
- chronic
- complex
- progressive
- atypical or unusual
- potentially disabling
- life threatening
- not responding
- associated with neurological deficits
Second Opinions offer Confidence in Your Choices:
- Review and Correlation: The second opinion process includes a correlative review of all submitted relevant outside medical records, special tests and diagnostic imaging studies.
- Experience and expertise: CNI has an integrated multidisciplinary team comprised of highly credentialed and board-certified physicians, human performance experts, technologists and therapists. CNI team members collaborate to provide the highest quality care.
- Convenience: in most cases a diagnostic opinion and treatment recommendations can be addressed within the course of a few visits.
- Evidence-based care: the diagnostic process and development of a personalized plan of care is based on evidence-based decisions.
- Participation in decision-making: we will help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and goals of care.
- Peace of mind: expert decision support will reduce the stress associated with lack of knowledge, indecision and fear of the unknown.
The Medical Record Review Process
As part of the second opinion process the attending CNI staff or staff members review and analyze outside medical records including diagnostic studies, laboratory results, pathology findings and other documents. The review of outside healthcare (medical) records represents one of the most important steps in the second opinion process. You simply need to inform our staff where your medical records are and provide us with the authorization required to obtain copies for review.
Important Facts about Second Opinions:
A second opinion may help you or your physician:
- obtain a more accurate diagnosis
- select a personalize treatment plan
- identity the best treatment option
- reduce your exposure to unnecessary risks
- understand your condition better
- get answers to your questions
- become an informed, active partner in your healthcare
- identify which type of specialists you need to see
NEUROLOGY AND NEURODIAGNOsTIC CONSULTATION
A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Most of the time, a primary healthcare provider refers patients to a neurologist if they have symptoms that indicate a neurological condition. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.
The chiropractic neurologist is doctor of chiropractic who has obtained post-doctoral training in neurology over a 3-4 year period. The chiropractic neurologist is trained in the evaluation, diagnosis, and care of neurological disorders and related musculoskeletal complications and movement disorders. A board certified chiropractic neurologist may further specialize in areas such as neuroimaging, clinical neurophysiology (electrodiagnosis), and neurorehabiliation.
A neurology consultation or neurodiagnostic consultation refers to a procedure requested by one of an individual’s healthcare providers. The neurology consultation typically consists of a review of the patient's medical history, examination of the patient, review of prior records and the ordering or performance of additional diagnostic tests if necessary. The goal of the consultation process is to render an expert opinion and to make recommendations regarding the care of the patient.
When to consider a spinecare second opinion
Spine and related conditions can be complex, resulting in numerous treatment options. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic or complex spine disorder, especially one for which surgery has been recommended, consider obtaining a second opinion. The spinecare program at CNI is part of an established referral network and has the resources, technology, expertise and compassion to provide second opinion, and decision and support. CNI prioritizes conservative and cooperative
Take Control of your Spinecare
Research has revealed a tremendous amount of treatment bias in spinecare, dependent upon the discipline and who you see. Bias can be influenced by a providers training, affiliations and/or the capabilities of their facility. Acquiring one or more additional opinions can help overcome bias, improve the informed consent process and help ensure appropriate care. Consider the following:
- it is wise to obtain a second opinion if you have any concerns or doubts about your spine diagnosis, prognosis or the recommended plan of action.
- the spine is among the most complex structures in your body, and there is often more than one way to treat a spine disorder.
- your attending healthcare provider should present you with different treatment options, and should review the benefits and risks of each.
- your attending healthcare providers should encourage, support and facilitate the second opinion process.
- healthcare providers should recognize the limitations of their experience and the limitations of your knowledge and subsequently prioritize your concern about making the right decisions. If they do not support your choice to do so it may be time to find a new spinecare provider.
- the second opinion process can be used to address your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, plan. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a third opinion if the first two are significantly different.
Consider obtaining a second opinion when you are facing important or difficult treatment decisions. In summary, a second opinion is also appropriate if you are not responding favorably to a current course of care. A second opinion may be necessary if your spine condition is:
- chronic
- complex
- progressive
- atypical or unusual
- potentially disabling
- life threatening
- not responding associated with neurologic deficits
What to Expect from a Spinecare Second Opinion
Once you have made a second opinion appointment, a CNI new patient coordinator will contact you to facilitate acquisition of your medical records, test results and any other information required for an accurate evaluation.
During your first visit at CNI, a physician will review your medical records, conduct a physical exam and get a sense of your priorities and concerns. All prior spine imaging studies received will be reviewed. If additional specialists are required on your case, we will help arrange for the consultations. If further tests are required, our staff will work with you to arrange for them to be performed. We do not repeat prior tests unless absolutely necessary.
Our goal is to provide you and your attending healthcare provider(s) with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan of care. In some instances, we may hold our recommendations until after a formal presentation of your condition to a multidisciplinary team of CNI healthcare providers.
Schedule Your Spine Second Opinion Today
The spinecare program at CNI is part of an established referral network and has the resources, technology, expertise and compassion to provide second opinion, and decision and support. CNI prioritizes conservative and cooperative care.Spine and related conditions can be complex, resulting in numerous treatment options. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic or complex spine disorder, especially one for which surgery has been recommended, consider obtaining a second opinion.
Contact us today at 847-888-1811 to schedule an appointment.