Get a Second Opinion for Your Child’s ENT Condition
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for ear, nose and throat conditions—especially for children, whose bodies are still growing and changing. If your child needs specialized ENT care, it’s important to understand all available treatment options before moving forward.
At Cincinnati Children’s, our expert pediatric otolaryngologists offer second opinions for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Ear infections
- Tonsillitis and adenoid disease
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Hearing loss
No matter what brings you to us, our goal is to help your child live as fully and comfortably as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Getting an Ear, Nose and Throat Second Opinion?
Some families seek a second opinion to better understand a diagnosis or to explore treatment options recommended by another provider. This is a common and valuable step in making confident, informed decisions about your child’s care.
A second opinion can help you:
- Confirm or better understand a diagnosis
- Review your child’s current treatment plan
- Determine whether surgery or another treatment is the best option
- Explore whether a nonsurgical approach may be just as safe and effective
- Understand the risks, benefits, recovery time and potential side effects of treatment
How Do I Start the Process of Getting an Otolaryngology Second Opinion?
There are several ways to request a second opinion with one of our ENT specialists:
- Fill out our online form and select “Requesting a Second Opinion” from the dropdown menu.
- Call us to schedule an appointment. If you call after hours, leave a message and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.
- Request an online second opinion, where a physician reviews your case and answers specific questions without requiring an in-person visit.
- Ask your primary care provider for a referral. They can contact us to begin the process on your behalf.
How Should I Prepare?
To help us provide the most accurate and helpful second opinion, we’ll need:
- Medical records related to your child’s condition
- X-rays or other imaging studies
- Test results
You can ask your referring provider to send these materials, or we can help request them for you.
Please also bring:
- A list of current medications
- Your insurance card
- Custody or power of attorney documents, if applicable
Can I Get a Second Opinion Without Traveling to Cincinnati?
Yes. Online second opinions are available for families outside the Greater Cincinnati area, including those in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana.
With an online second opinion:
- A specialist reviews your child’s medical records and your specific questions.
- No video or phone visit is required.
- You receive a written report with expert guidance on diagnosis and treatment options.
An online second opinion is designed to give you clarity and direction, especially when you’re weighing complex decisions.
This service is typically not covered by insurance and costs $850. Additional fees may apply if radiology or pathology review is needed. Availability varies based on location and patient needs, and our team will help determine if it’s the right fit for you.
