Second Opinion: Frequently Asked Questions

The cost for a neurosurgical second opinion is a flat $100, and it is non-refundable. Payment must be made by credit card at the time of submission. We do not offer other payment options at this time.

We offer neurosurgical second opinions for the following conditions and treatments:

We do not offer second opinions for any neurological condition for which neurosurgery is not a treatment option. In addition, motor vehicle accident and workman’s compensation cases may not be able to be processed through our online Second Opinion Program.

*We offer second opinions on the placement of DBS leads for patients who have already undergone DBS surgery. If you have not had DBS surgery but would like to know if you’re a candidate, please call (602) 406-3242 to speak with our DBS nurse navigator.

1. Once you click the link, you’ll be directed to our Dignity Health hello humankindness secure portal where you will create your account.
2. You will answer an electronic questionnaire to give our physicians an understanding of your medical history and the condition you would like an opinion for.
3. After filling out our questionnaire, we’ll direct you to a secure page where you can upload your MRI and/or CT images. To ensure that our physicians have the most up-to-date information about your case, Barrow Second Opinion requires that your most recent imaging tests be performed within the last six months. We get it: Imaging scans are inconvenient and sometimes uncomfortable. But the more current your imaging is, the more meaningful your second opinion will be!
4. Payment will be requested.
5. Once payment is received, your case will be sent to a coordinator who will review all of your information. The coordinator may contact you for additional information.
6. After the coordinator confirms that all of the information the neurosurgeon will need to review your case has been met, your case will be routed to the neurosurgeon most appropriate for your condition.
7. Within 7 to-10 business days, you’ll receive a notification through email that your second opinion is available in the portal. (Please note that 7-10 business days cannot be guaranteed for submissions during peak U.S. holiday months of November and December.)

You may download, keep, and share your second opinion with whomever you like.

Barrow Neurological Institute is one of the leading neurosurgical teaching hospitals in the world. Patients and healthcare providers come from across the globe to receive care and learn from us. We acknowledge that many areas do not have the expertise we do and understand cost can be a large barrier to care. Our Second Opinion Program is our way of helping patients get connected to a world-class neurosurgeon for a minimal cost.

There is no obligation for you to come to Barrow Neurological Institute for treatment, and your second opinion is yours to keep and share.

If your second opinion recommends neurosurgery and you decide to come to Barrow Neurological Institute for treatment, you will be treated by the neurosurgeon who reviewed your case. If you decide to come to Barrow, simply let our Second Opinion Program coordinators know. Our coordinators will assist you with appointment scheduling, travel resources, insurance verification, and financial concerns.

No. There are a few rules:

1. You must have been diagnosed with one of the conditions outlined in the second frequently asked question.
2. Your imaging must be related to your condition, meet requested requirements, and have been taken in the past six months.
3. You must have already been diagnosed by a physician for the condition that has been submitted. We are unable to provide an initial diagnosis of your condition.

All records and information must be submitted in English, as Barrow Neurological Institute cannot translate these materials.

You must be 18 years of age or older to submit your request for a neurosurgical second opinion.

You may submit a case for a child as long as the child is 14 years of age or older. We may make some exceptions based on special situations; please email your inquiries to BarrowSecondOpinion@DignityHealth.org.

Once you have submitted the required documentation and imaging, your second opinion will be available in 7 to 10 business days. Please note that this timeframe cannot be guaranteed for submissions during peak U.S. holiday months of November and December.

No. We will not contact your physician. We do recommend, however, that you share the recommendation with your doctor so that they are still involved in your care.

Yes. If your doctor submits the case on your behalf, there is no charge. To do this, please provide your doctor’s office with a link to our physician-to-physician Second Opinion portal. We will need to verify your doctor’s identity prior to processing your information.

Although you may need to contact your insurance carrier for more information, we do not bill insurance companies for participating in our Second Opinion Program. You will be responsible for submitting any requests to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Please note that motor vehicle accident and workman’s compensation cases may not be able to be processed through our Second Opinion Program.

No. Receiving a neurosurgical second opinion does not make you a patient of Barrow Neurological Institute. In order to become a patient, you must make an appointment and be seen in our offices. If you’ve received a neurosurgical second opinion and would like to be seen at Barrow Neurological Institute, please call us at (602) 406-3396.