Orthopedic Surgical Second Opinion Consultations in Raleigh, Cary, Garner & Holly Springs
If you’ve been told you need orthopedic surgery, it’s completely normal to feel nervous, uncertain, or even overwhelmed. You’re not alone—many people feel the same way after receiving a recommendation for surgery. Dr. David Dare believes in helping you feel confident and informed before you move forward with any major treatment. That’s why we offer second opinion consultations for orthopedic surgery—because your health and peace of mind are worth it.
What Is a Surgical Second Opinion?
A second opinion is a review of your diagnosis and treatment plan by another doctor—someone who takes a fresh look at your condition, imaging, medical history, and any prior recommendations. Dr. David Dare provides orthopedic second opinions with the goal of offering clarity, reassurance, or new options you may not have heard before.
Getting a second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust your first doctor. It simply means you’re being proactive and doing your due diligence. In fact, many surgeons encourage their patients to seek another perspective, especially for complex or life-changing decisions like surgery.
Why Get a Second Opinion for Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgeries can have major impacts on your daily life. These procedures can also involve long recovery periods, physical therapy, and permanent changes to your mobility. A second opinion can help you:
1. Confirm the Diagnosis
Medical imaging like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays can sometimes be interpreted in different ways. A second opinion can help confirm or clarify your diagnosis. Sometimes the diagnosis is accurate but not complete, and additional insight can help you make a more informed decision.
2. Explore Alternatives to Surgery
In some cases, surgery may not be the only—or best—option. Dr. Dare often reviews treatment plans and identifies non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives that were not previously discussed. Physical therapy,, injections, or lifestyle changes may help manage your condition without the risks of surgery.
3. Evaluate the Type and Timing of Surgery
Even if surgery is needed, there may be different surgical approaches available—some more invasive than others. You might also benefit from waiting, preparing through pre-surgery rehab, or choosing a different type of procedure that better fits your health goals. A second opinion can help you understand your options in detail.
4. Reduce Risk and Improve Outcomes
Every surgery has risks. But by reviewing your case through a second lens, you may uncover ways to minimize complications and improve your chances of a successful recovery. Dr. Dare focuses on providing thoughtful, personalized feedback to help you make choices that support your long-term mobility and quality of life.
Who Should Consider a Second Opinion?
While anyone can benefit from a second opinion, it’s especially recommended if:
- You’ve been told you need shoulder or knee surgery
- You’re unsure if the surgery is necessary or if the diagnosis is correct
- You haven’t noticed improvement with your current treatment plan
- You’re feeling pressured to make a quick decision without fully understanding the risks and benefits
- You want to explore less invasive treatments before committing to surgery
- You’ve had a previous surgery that didn’t lead to expected results
- You simply want peace of mind before making a major medical decision
What to Expect During Your Second Opinion Consultation
We’ve designed our second opinion process to be simple, supportive, and thorough. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Medical Review
We’ll start by reviewing your medical history, previous diagnoses, imaging studies (like MRIs or X-rays), and any other documentation from your current provider. If you don’t have these, our team can help guide you in gathering the right records before your appointment.
2. In-Depth Evaluation
Dr. Dare will meet with you to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, health goals, and concerns. This conversation is relaxed and informative. We want to understand not just what hurts, but how it’s affecting your life and what you hope to achieve with treatment.
3. Honest, Clear Recommendations
After reviewing your case, Dr. Dare will explain whether he agrees with the original diagnosis and treatment plan. If there are other options or less invasive procedures available, he’ll walk you through them clearly and compassionately. We’ll also discuss the risks, benefits, and potential recovery timelines for each choice.
4. Empowered Decision-Making
The goal of this consultation is to empower you, not to pressure you. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your condition and confidence in your next steps—whether that’s proceeding with surgery, exploring other treatments, or taking more time to decide.
About Dr. Dare
Dr. David Dare is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with deep expertise in treating shoulder and knee conditions. His training includes advanced fellowship work in orthopedic shoulder and knee surgery and sports medicine, and his approach blends cutting-edge techniques with compassionate care.
Dr. Dare treats every patient as a partner in their healing journey. That means listening carefully, explaining clearly, and creating customized plans based on your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Dr. Dare is known for being honest, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to helping patients make smart, confident health decisions.
Is a Second Opinion Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover second opinions, especially for major surgeries. If you’re not sure about your coverage, our team can help check your benefits and guide you through the process. We also offer self-pay options for those without insurance.
Getting a second opinion is your right as a patient. It’s your body, your health, and your future—and we’re here to support you in protecting all three.
How to Schedule a Second Opinion Consultation
We make it easy to schedule a second opinion appointment, either in-person at one of our offices.
Call us at 919-781-5600
- Request an appointment with Dr. Dare
Once you reach out, our team will help you gather your medical records, imaging, and any other information needed for a comprehensive review.
Final Thoughts
Making a decision about orthopedic surgery is one of the biggest health choices you may face. You deserve the time, information, and expert guidance to feel completely confident in your decision.
Schedule your second opinion today and take the next step with confidence.
