For Patients
You can get real answers about your spine without leaving home.
A video visit removes the biggest barrier to a second opinion: getting there. For many patients — especially those out of state or early in their decision — a telehealth consultation is the most efficient way to have Dr. Melamed review the imaging, explain the diagnosis, and talk through options before anyone books a flight or a procedure.
The process is straightforward. You share your recent MRI or CT, Dr. Melamed reviews it ahead of time, and you meet by video to go through what he found. It's a real conversation, not a form — you'll have the chance to ask questions and understand your options in plain language.
Virtual visits fit patients who want an expert opinion without traveling first — people weighing surgery, seeking a second opinion, or living outside California. If you've been told your only option is a large open operation, a telehealth review is a low-effort way to find out whether a muscle-sparing approach could apply to your case.
A great deal can happen virtually: reviewing imaging, explaining findings, discussing options, and planning next steps. What a screen can't replace is a hands-on physical exam, and any procedure of course happens in person. Think of telehealth as the way to get clarity and a plan — with an in-person visit reserved for the steps that genuinely require it.
Questions, Answered
No — just a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection. Our team sends you a simple link and helps you get connected before the visit.
A telehealth visit can clarify your diagnosis and options and often narrows down whether surgery makes sense. Any final decision typically includes an in-person exam, which we'll help you arrange when the time is right.
Your recent MRI or CT is the most important thing — upload it in advance so Dr. Melamed can review it before you meet. It also helps to have a short summary of your history and your questions written down.
Second opinions welcome
Send your imaging for a personal review with Dr. Melamed. Many patients learn a smaller, muscle-sparing option is on the table.