Unsure about spine surgery?
Review the recommendation.
A second opinion reviews your diagnosis, recommended procedure and alternatives. You can seek another assessment without committing to change surgeons.
Request a Second Opinion (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
Bring your imaging, treatment history and any surgical recommendations. The consultation reviews your findings and options so you can make an informed decision about the next step.
Bring your imaging
Bring recent MRI or CT images, medical records, prior treatment history and any surgical recommendations.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation focuses on listening, reviewing your imaging and prior recommendations, and explaining the expected benefits, risks and alternatives clearly.
Your evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Getting a Second Opinion for Spine Surgery.
Are you feeling rushed or uncertain about your spine diagnosis? Get the clarity and confidence you deserve from a neurosurgeon with 30+ years of judgment.
When to Seek a Second Opinion
The Apteum Difference
Globus ExcelsiusGPS
Robotic guidance when appropriate, supported by experienced surgical judgment.
Our “No-Rush” Promise
We never rush you through a 10-minute consult. We take time to understand your symptoms and explain every option — including minimally invasive alternatives to complex fusion.
Three Decades of Experience
Three decades of experience treating complex spine conditions — and the judgment that comes with it.
Advanced robotic precision, applied to spine surgery.
The Apteum difference
Globus ExcelsiusGPS
Experience in complex spine care, with robotic guidance when appropriate. Robotic guidance is a surgical tool; your diagnosis and the surgeon’s judgment guide its use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a second opinion covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and benefits. Our team can help verify your coverage before your visit.
What documents should I bring?
Please bring any recent MRI or CT scans, medical records, prior treatment history, medication list, and insurance information. If available, surgical recommendations from other physicians are also helpful.
Do I have to switch surgeons?
No. A second opinion is simply to help you better understand your condition and treatment options. You are free to continue with your current surgeon or choose the care path that feels right for you.
How it Works (Our Process)
Ready to start your journey to recovery?
Request Appointment
Intake Line: (609) 831-0998
Understand the recommendation before deciding.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.