Getting a Spine Surgery Second Opinion

If your physician has recommended surgery, you should get a second opinion from a qualified spine surgery specialist.  

This guide will provide you with the information you need to choose a qualified specialist to perform your spine surgery, including:

  • Reasons to get a second opinion  
  • How to get a second opinion  
  • Questions to ask during your second opinion  
  • What to do after you get a second opinion   
Northwestern Medicine logo

All Rights Reserved. ©2025 by Northwestern Medicine® and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. 
Northwestern Medicine® is a trademark of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, used by Northwestern University.

Northwestern Medicine® | 251 East Huron Street | Chicago, Illinois 60611 | nm.org

Why Northwestern Medicine

  • All of our surgeons specialize in spine surgery, meaning they have completed the necessary training required to become more skilled in spine surgery.
  • While some spine surgeons will also operate on other parts of the body, our spine surgeons only perform spine surgery.
  • Our surgeons complete a large number of spine surgeries each year and have extensive experience in the latest procedures.
  • We offer minimally invasive and computer-assisted surgery, which can mean a faster recovery time and better results for you.

Make a Second Opinion Appointment

Northwestern Medicine offers priority appointments so you can get your second opinion as quickly as possible.

To schedule a spine surgery second opinion at Northwestern Medicine, click here.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Lavin Family Pavilion
259 East Erie Street, Floor 14
Chicago, Illinois 60611

Tyler Koski, MD
Co-Director

Nader Dahdaleh, MD
Tyler R. Koski, MD
Aruna Ganju, MD

Alpesh Patel, MD
Co-Director

Wellington K. Hsu, MD

Meet the Team  

Alpesh A. Patel, MD

To schedule a spine surgery second opinion at Northwestern Medicine, click here.

Northwestern Medicine uses advanced technologies, state-of-the-art facilities, and a premier team of specialists across multiple disciplines, providing expert treatment for everything ranging from simple sports injures to complex spinal disorders. 

Srikanth N. Divi, MD
Kevin Swong, MD
Jean-Paul Wolinsky, MD

Orthopaedic Spine Specialists

Neurosurgical Spine Specialists

Nader Dahdaleh, MD