Rheumatology Second Opinions
Families travel to the Division of Rheumatology at Cincinnati Children’s from all over the world seeking a second opinion about their child’s care. Our second opinion service is very helpful for families who:
- Want to confirm their child’s diagnosis
- Want to discuss their child’s current treatment plan and see if there are more effective strategies available
- Want to talk about the potential risks and benefits of surgery
- Are considering transferring their child’s care to Cincinnati Children’s
We offer a comprehensive evaluation that typically lasts one to two days. Your child:
- Will see one of our rheumatologists
- May see other providers from physical therapy, occupational therapy, eye care, kidney care, dermatology, digestive health, social work, pharmacy and mental health
- May undergo testing such as musculoskeletal ultrasound (imaging to look at joints), helping us to find inflammation quickly and guide care in real time; or nailfold capillaroscopy, imaging tiny blood vessels near the fingernails to help diagnose and monitor complex conditions early.
At the end of your visit, the team will meet with your family and provide a clear, unified treatment recommendation. They will answer any questions you have as you think about the next steps in your child’s care.
How Do I Start the Process of Getting a Second Opinion?
A second opinion from one of our nationally renowned specialists can help you make informed, confident decisions about your child’s care. To get started, contact us.
How Should I Prepare?
We’ll need the following items related to the medical condition:
- Medical records
- Imaging procedures
- Test results
You can ask your referring provider to send these materials to us, or we can contact them for you.
