Before a major decision,
get another careful review.
Understand the diagnosis, proposed treatment and alternatives before committing to spine surgery or another major step.
Request a Second Opinion (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A fresh review of the recommendation.
A second opinion can help clarify whether symptoms and imaging support the proposed plan. It may agree with the first recommendation or identify questions and alternatives to discuss.
Gather the records
Bring imaging, reports, prior operative notes and the proposed treatment plan.
Ask specific questions
Discuss the diagnosis, urgency, alternatives, expected benefits and risks.
Review the recommendation
Ask what supports the plan and what additional information may be needed.
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 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.
Second Opinions
Get expert validation before making important decisions about spine surgery.
Overview
Making decisions about spine surgery is significant. Our second opinion program provides patients with an independent, thorough evaluation of their condition and treatment options. Our experienced spine specialists review your complete medical history, imaging, and current treatment plan to provide honest, expert guidance.
What We Offer
Key Benefits
All Services
Need Help?
Contact us to discuss your condition and explore the best treatment options.
Make your next decision with a clearer understanding.
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.