Out-of-state? Free MRI review4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviewsBoard-certified spine surgeonSame-day spine surgeryCall (424) 217-7463
Out-of-state? Free MRI review + telehealth consult before you travel 4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviews Board-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Minimally invasive, same-day spine surgery in Beverly Hills Call (424) 217-7463
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Second opinion

Should I get a second opinion before spine surgery?

If a fusion or open surgery has been recommended, a second read of your imaging is worth it — spine problems often have more than one path forward. Dr. Hooman Melamed, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon in Beverly Hills, reviews your MRI or CT himself and tells you plainly whether a less invasive option, or no surgery at all, is realistic for your case.

Medically reviewed byDr. Hooman Melamed, MD, FAAOS

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Why it matters

Why a second opinion is worth it before a fusion

A recommendation for spinal fusion is a major decision, and it is not always the only option. The same MRI can point to different treatment plans depending on how it is read and which techniques a surgeon offers. Dr. Melamed focuses on minimally invasive and endoscopic, muscle-sparing surgery, so a second opinion here often reframes what is possible — sometimes confirming the plan you were given, sometimes pointing to a smaller procedure, and sometimes finding that surgery is not needed yet.

The goal is a straight answer, not a sales pitch. Because Dr. Melamed reads your imaging personally before any visit, the conversation starts from your actual anatomy rather than a generic recommendation.

The process

How the remote second-opinion program works

  1. 01

    Send your imaging

    Upload your MRI or CT securely, or let the team help retrieve it from another facility. Include the radiology report if you have it.

  2. 02

    Dr. Melamed reviews it himself

    Not a coordinator or an automated read. Dr. Melamed looks at your actual scans the same way he would in the exam room.

  3. 03

    Talk it through on telehealth

    A video visit walks you through what your imaging shows, whether surgery is truly warranted, and what your realistic options are.

  4. 04

    Plan a single focused trip

    If treatment in Beverly Hills makes sense, the team coordinates one efficient visit so you are not flying back and forth.

Out-of-state patients travel to Beverly Hills routinely — the review and telehealth visit happen before you ever get on a plane. Book a consultation or upload your imaging to begin.

Who it's for

Who should get a second opinion?

  • You were told you need a spinal fusion and want to know if a smaller, muscle-sparing option exists
  • Your surgeon recommended open surgery and you want to understand minimally invasive alternatives
  • You have been offered surgery but are not sure it is necessary yet
  • You live out of state and want an expert read before committing to travel
  • Your symptoms have not improved and you want a fresh look at the imaging

Questions, Answered

Second-opinion questions

Should I get a second opinion before spine surgery?

A second opinion is reasonable any time surgery — especially a fusion — has been recommended, because spine problems often have more than one path forward. A fresh read of your imaging can confirm the plan you were given, or surface a less invasive option you were not told about. It costs you nothing to have Dr. Melamed look at your scans first.

How does the remote second-opinion program work?

You upload your MRI or CT for a personal review, Dr. Melamed reads it himself, and the team schedules a telehealth visit to talk through what he found. Most of the process happens before you ever travel. You can start by uploading your imaging or calling (424) 217-7463.

Do I have to travel to Beverly Hills for a second opinion?

No. The imaging review and telehealth consultation are done remotely. You only travel if you and Dr. Melamed decide on a procedure, and the team coordinates that into a single focused trip.

Is the imaging review really free?

Yes. The MRI and CT review is complimentary. It is meant to give you a clear, expert opinion on your spine before you decide on any next step.

What if another surgeon already recommended fusion?

That is one of the most common reasons patients come to us. A fusion recommendation is not always the only option. Dr. Melamed will review your imaging and tell you honestly whether a smaller, muscle-sparing procedure — or no surgery at all — is realistic for your case.

Second opinions welcome

Not sure if surgery is the answer? Neither are we — until we've seen your MRI.

Send your imaging for a personal review with Dr. Melamed. Many patients learn a smaller, muscle-sparing option is on the table.

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