Second Opinions

Care philosophy

Whenever possible, nonoperative and less invasive treatments are preferable to surgeries or other invasive procedures. In some cases, surgery is medically necessary and has a better chance of success than ongoing nonoperative treatment.

Second opinions

A patient who has already consulted a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon and received a recommendation for surgery may feel the need to discuss treatment options with another specialist. Dr. Zünkeler has extensive experience in treating patients both surgically and nonsurgically but currently does not perform major surgical procedures. Dr. Zünkeler will be glad to carefully review all the available medical records (including the other surgeon’s recommendations) and diagnostic imaging studies, obtain a history, perform a physical examination, and discuss his opinion regarding surgical and nonsurgical options.

In some instances, patients are concerned about ongoing symptoms after surgery has been performed and want to consult another neurosurgeon about their postoperative progress and other treatment options going forward. Dr. Zünkeler will review the diagnostic imaging studies, obtain a history, perform a physical examination, and discuss his findings.

Dr. Zünkeler has many years of experience as an independent medical examiner and has reviewed thousands of cases at the request of legal and insurance professionals. He is very familiar with the evidence-based recommendations for the entire contemporary spectrum of neurosurgical and spine conditions.

If you are a legal or insurance professional, please also visit our evalneuro.com website for additional details regarding medicolegal services that Dr. Zünkeler offers.