Get an Expert Second Opinion for Surgery in Los Angeles

Why Get a Second Opinion?

Making informed decisions about your health and treatment plan

You wouldn’t make other big life decisions without exploring options—your health deserves the same care. Here’s why patients throughout Los Angeles and beyond seek a second opinion:

• Confirm your diagnosis – Ensure your initial diagnosis is accurate and complete
• Explore all treatment options – Discover if less invasive approaches might work for your condition
• Understand your treatment plan – Get clarity on what to expect during and after surgery
• Gain confidence in your decision – Move forward knowing you’ve explored every angle
• Discover clinical trials – Learn if innovative treatments might be appropriate for your case
• Interpret complex test results – Get expert analysis of your imaging and pathology reports

“After my cancer diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed by the treatment plan my first doctor recommended. The second opinion at SCMSC helped me understand my options better and actually revealed a less aggressive approach that was just as effective.”

— Robert M., Cancer Patient

Getting a second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust your current doctor. It’s about gathering comprehensive information to make the best decision for your health and peace of mind.

When Should You Seek a Second Opinion?

Making informed decisions about your health and treatment plan

While you can get a second opinion for any health concern, certain situations make it especially valuable:

1. You’ve received a serious diagnosis like cancer or a rare condition
2. Surgery is recommended, particularly major or elective procedures
3. Your diagnosis is unclear or your symptoms don’t match the diagnosis
4. Your treatment plan involves significant risks or lifestyle changes
5. You’re not improving with your current treatment approach
6. You want to explore less invasive treatment options
7. Your physician is not a specialist in your specific condition

The American Cancer Society recommends that all cancer patients consider getting a second opinion before starting treatment. This extra step can significantly impact your treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Why Choose SCMSC for Your Second Opinion

Collaborative Care with Top Surgeons

What truly sets SCMSC apart is our unique foundation—three brothers, each an expert in complementary surgical specialties, working together under one roof. This extraordinary collaboration means that complex cases, like the stage 4 colon cancer with liver metastasis highlighted in our article, receive truly integrated care. While most hospitals have specialists who rarely interact, our surgical team communicates seamlessly, combining multiple perspectives into a cohesive treatment plan. When you get a second opinion from SCMSC, you’re not just consulting one doctor—you’re tapping into a tightly-knit team that regularly handles cases too complex for the typical fragmented approach.

Robotic and minimally-invasive surgical expertise

Have you been told you need a traditional, invasive surgery? This is exactly when a second opinion matters most. Our physicians specialize in robotic and minimally-invasive techniques that often mean less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times. Many patients who come to us for a second opinion are surprised to learn there’s a less invasive treatment option for their condition.

Your current doctor might be excellent, but our specialists might bring different expertise or access to advanced surgical techniques. Our goal isn’t to replace your first doctor but to provide additional insights to improve patient care and potentially offer treatment options you haven’t heard about yet.

Expertise across multiple medical fields

While many patients seek us out for cancer treatment second opinions, our team provides expert consultation across numerous specialties:

• Orthopedic surgery – Joint replacement, spine procedures, sports injuries
• Cardiac procedures – Heart surgery options and alternatives
• Neurological conditions – Brain and nervous system disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues – Digestive system surgery and treatment
• Women’s health – Gynecological procedures and treatments
• Urological concerns – Kidney, bladder, and reproductive treatments

No matter your diagnosis or recommended surgery, our specialists can provide valuable insights to help you navigate your treatment journey.

How Our Second Opinion Process Works

Simple steps to get the answers you need

Getting a second opinion shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s how we make it easy:

1. Free 15-minute consultation – Connect with our Care Coordinator who’ll learn about your diagnosis and explain the opinion process
2. Medical records collection – Our coordinator will detail exactly which medical records, test results, and imaging studies we need
3. Insurance verification – For California residents, we’ll check your insurance company coverage (out-of-state patients can still access our services at our direct-pay rate)
4. Expert appointment – Meet with one of our specialists or surgeons for 45-60 minutes to discuss your case
5. Clear guidance – Receive straightforward treatment recommendations and next steps

“The coordinator made everything so simple—she told me exactly what records to get from my local hospital and handled all the insurance details. I had my virtual appointment with the specialist just three days later.”

— Maria S., Los Angeles

Our team works efficiently to get you answers quickly, because we understand that decisions about surgery and treatment can’t always wait.

Virtual Second Opinion vs. In-Person Consultations

Choose what works for your situation

Life is busy enough without adding unnecessary medical visits. That’s why we offer both virtual second opinion appointments and in-person consultations:

Virtual second opinion appointments are ideal when:

• You want to consult from the comfort of your own home
• You live further away in California or out-of-state
• You have mobility issues or concerns about visiting medical facilities
• Your case doesn’t require physical examination
• You need to fit the appointment around work or family member care

In-person consultations make more sense when:

• Your condition requires physical examination
• You prefer face-to-face communication with your physician
• Your case involves complex physical symptoms
• You’re local or willing to travel to one of our four locations throughout Los Angeles & the San Fernando Valley

Both options connect you with the same expert team and personalized care—just in the format that suits your needs and circumstances.

Meet Our Expert Medical Team

Specialists and physicians trusted by patients and legal professionals alike

Our second opinion service brings together SCMSC’s team of specialty-trained Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and experienced surgeons. Each expert brings years of training and thousands of cases worth of insight to your situation.

Led by Dr. Babak “Bobby” Eghbalieh, our team’s expertise extends beyond routine patient care. Dr. Bobby has been selected by the US District Attorney’s Office as an Expert Opinion Witness—a distinction that speaks volumes about his credibility and medical authority. When federal legal matters require the most reliable medical insights, they turn to the same expertise you’ll receive with your second opinion.

Think about what this means for you: When you get a second opinion from Dr. Bobby and the SCMSC team, you’re consulting with medical professionals whose judgment is trusted at the highest levels of our legal system. The same meticulous analysis and clear, authoritative opinions that make Dr. Bobby valuable in court will be applied to your diagnosis and treatment options.

For cancer patients, our cancer doctors have expertise across various types of cancer and can review your pathology report, imaging studies, and current treatment plan to provide a comprehensive second opinion.

Our medical specialists collaborate closely with each other, ensuring you benefit from collective expertise rather than just a single doctor’s perspective. This team approach means you get the most thorough review of your diagnosis and treatment options.

Want to learn more about who you’ll be working with? Check out our Advanced Practice Providers page and learn more about Dr. Bobby and his impressive credentials.

FAQs About Getting a Second Opinion

Make an Informed Health Decision with Confidence

Using your second opinion to decide on next steps

After receiving your second expert opinion, you’ll be in a better position to make informed decisions about your health. Here’s how to move forward:

• Compare perspectives – Review the similarities and differences between your first and second opinions
• Ask questions – If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact either physician for clarification
• Consider your values – Think about which treatment approach best aligns with your priorities and lifestyle
• Make your decision – Choose the path that makes you feel confident about your care
• Communicate with your doctors – Let both your first doctor and second doctor know your decision

Remember, the final decision is yours. Whether you proceed with your original treatment plan, adopt recommendations from your second opinion, or seek additional input, you’re taking an active role in your healthcare.

Ready for Expert Guidance?

Take the first step toward confidence in your treatment

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward peace of mind about your medical care. Call us directly at 818-900-6480 or fill out the contact form below to get started.

SCMSC provides second opinions for diagnosis and treatment in Los Angeles and throughout California. Virtual second opinion appointments available for patients nationwide.

Request a Second Opinion

Simply fill out the form and a member of our team will call you to schedule your second opinion consultation.