Second opinion · New York City
Second opinions
An independent look at your diagnosis and your options, before you decide on surgery or when a joint replacement is not doing well.
Midtown · Uptown · Westchester
When a second opinion helps
Many patients seek a second opinion, and it is a normal part of making a big decision. Common reasons include:
- You have been told you need a hip or knee replacement and want to confirm it, or confirm the timing
- You have been offered a different operation or approach and want to compare
- A hip or knee replacement is painful, stiff, loose, unstable or recurrently swollen, and the cause is not clear
- You have been told you need a revision, or that nothing more can be done
- You have a complex situation, such as earlier surgery, infection, a fracture around an implant or an unusual anatomy
What to expect
Dr. Cooper reviews your history, examines you, and looks at your X-rays and other imaging himself instead of relying only on the reports. The aim is a clear explanation of what is wrong and an honest recommendation. Sometimes that recommendation is that surgery is not needed yet, or that the plan you were given is reasonable, or sometimes that even though there is a problem, additional surgery unfortunately is unlikely to make things better. When surgery is the best option, he explains what it involves and what to expect afterward.
A second opinion does not commit you to surgery with Dr. Cooper. You are free to take his opinion back to your own surgeon.
What to bring or send ahead
- X-rays, MRI or CT images on a disc or through an image-sharing link, along with the written reports
- Operative notes and the implant record or sticker sheet from any earlier hip or knee surgery
- Your medication list, and any notes from physical therapy
- A list of treatments you have already tried, including injections
- Recent blood test results, if you were being checked for infection or inflammation
Having images and records ahead of the visit makes it much easier for Dr. Cooper to give you a useful answer. If you cannot get everything, come anyway and the office will do its best to help you find what is missing.
Where you are seen
You can be seen at the Midtown, Uptown or Westchester office. See office locations.
Questions
Will my current surgeon be upset?
Second opinions are common, particularly around NYC, and surgeons expect them. You can ask your surgeon to send your records, or the office can request them for you.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan. Call the office and the staff will tell you what your plan requires.
Is a second opinion covered by insurance?
Many plans cover a second opinion like any other specialist visit, but coverage varies. Check with your plan or ask the office when you call.
Can I have my surgery with Dr. Cooper afterward?
Yes, if surgery is the right choice for you and you decide to proceed. You are not required to.
Do you see problems with hip or knee replacements done elsewhere?
Yes. Evaluating and treating painful, stiff, unstable, infected or failing hip and knee replacements is a large part of Dr. Cooper's practice. See revision hip and knee replacement.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring any X-rays, MRI or CT images or reports, a list of your medications, operative notes and implant information from earlier surgery, and a list of treatments you have already tried.
Schedule a visit
Offices are in Midtown, Uptown and Westchester. See locations.