Pediatric neurosurgery · scheduled consultation
Second Opinions
A family-centered review when imaging, a diagnosis, a surgery recommendation, or a care plan still feels confusing or incomplete.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
A scheduled visit brings symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into one organized conversation.
Conflicting explanations from different clinicians
↗A diagnosis that needs to be explained more clearly
↗A need to understand reasonable options and timing
↗Help us see the whole story
What to bring when it is available.
Do not delay urgent care to gather records. For a scheduled visit, these materials can make the conversation more useful.
Complete imaging and reports
The current diagnosis and recommendation
Prior clinic, operative, pathology, and treatment records
A written list of the decisions and questions that matter most
How this concern is approached.
A useful pediatric second opinion identifies areas of agreement, explains uncertainty, compares reasonable options and timing, and gives the family a clear account of what information could change the recommendation.
Questions families ask
A little more clarity.
Can we seek another opinion before deciding?
A second consultation can help your family understand a diagnosis, the reason for a recommendation and reasonable alternatives. Tell the office if a decision has a deadline. Urgent treatment should not be delayed while waiting for a routine appointment.
What if the recommendations differ?
Ask which findings each recommendation relies on, what uncertainties remain and what additional information could change the plan. Differences should be explained in terms your family can use when deciding what to do next.
What records matter most?
Bring the actual scan images, reports, relevant operation notes and the recommendation you received. Write down your main questions about timing, observation, treatment risks and recovery. Confirm who remains responsible for care while opinions are being reviewed.
How the visit moves
Careful. Clear. Together.
Listen
Review symptoms, timing, prior care, daily impact, and the family’s goals.
Review
Place MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, reports, and records in context.
Explain
Translate the finding and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define monitoring, testing, referral, follow-up, or surgery when appropriate.
The people behind the promise
Clinical focus. Thoughtful systems.
Two complementary roles support a clear, reliable experience for children and families.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads the neurosurgical evaluation with a pediatric focus, connecting the child’s story, symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into a clear next-step plan.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Second-opinion visits are scheduled care. Severe trauma, seizure emergencies, sudden weakness, signs of stroke, or rapidly worsening symptoms require emergency care.
Sources behind this overview
Family education from established health organizations.
These links support the general overview and cannot replace an individualized pediatric evaluation.
Continue exploring
Every pathway, connected.
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This page provides general educational information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office or using this site does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Iris is a scripted navigation helper and does not diagnose, triage, or provide medical advice.