Getting a Second Opinion For Heart Care at Allegheny General Hospital

If you are exploring treatment for a heart disease diagnosis, you may have questions about your options and whether surgery or a less invasive approach is better for you.

AHN Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) can offer a trusted second opinion for your care and work with you and your doctors to help you feel supported in your treatment journey.

Why would you get a second opinion for heart disease?

It’s common to have questions after receiving a new diagnosis. It’s also common to get a second opinion for your heart health. Your doctor may refer you, or you may decide to go to AGH for a consultation to get another expert opinion about your care.

“We always start by seeing what patients already know about their condition, finding out where they are in treatment, and understanding how we can make them feel more informed about their options,” said Walter E. McGregor, MD, director of AHN’s Cardiac Surgery Division and cardiac surgeon at AGH.

AGH cardiologists, surgeons, and heart specialists are experts in treating many different heart conditions, using the latest minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical methods. They can help you understand different treatment options and answer any questions you have so you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your health.

How to get a second opinion

To get started, fill out an online request form. Someone from AGH’s care team will give you a call within two business days. It’s a free, no-pressure consultation — just a chance to talk through things before scheduling a second opinion appointment.

If you decide to move forward, you’ll be scheduled with an AHN heart physician who specializes in your condition. They’ll review your records and recommend a treatment that fits you — your heart condition, your life, and your goals. This recommendation is nonbinding. That means you’re not required to move forward with the treatment plan.

AGH offers both in-person and virtual second opinion visits, depending on what works best for you. The cost follows your health insurance coverage, just like any other specialist appointment.

Steps to take before your phone consultation

You should call your insurance provider to see if your policy covers specialist appointments, and whether you need a referral, especially for doctors outside of your insurance network. You should also ask about any copays or out-of-pocket costs to expect for the appointment.

What should you bring to your appointment once it’s scheduled?

If an appointment is scheduled with a doctor for a second opinion, you should bring any relevant medical records, including:

• Your insurance card
• Imaging scans
• Hospital forms
• A list of all your medications

What to expect during your appointment

In addition to answering your questions and addressing any concerns, an AGH heart care specialist will review your health history and discuss if any additional testing needs to be completed (this could include chest X-rays, bloodwork, an echocardiogram (EKG) to take more pictures of your heart, or other methods). 

What happens after you get a second opinion?

Once you get a second opinion, doctors at AGH will continue to provide support and information as needed.

“We don’t make decisions for patients,” said Dr. McGregor. “We provide them with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their own care based on their health needs and what they are comfortable with.”

If you decide to have a procedure based on your needs and your doctors’ recommendations, your AGH care team will talk with you about what to expect and next steps to prepare for it.

If you stay at AGH for treatment, your cardiologist or surgeon there will follow up closely with your referring doctor to discuss your treatment and medical history, and to work together towards your successful healing and recovery.

Make decisions with doctors that you trust

Getting a second opinion about a heart disease diagnosis or treatment plan can bring up lots of questions and big emotions. It’s important that you get the support you need to make the right decisions about your care.

Learn more about how AHN Allegheny General Hospital provides trusted opinions and treatment plans for patients with heart disease.