Neurology and Neurosurgery Second Opinion Services

Learning you have a brain or spine condition can be overwhelming. You likely have a lot of questions: Is my diagnosis certain? Will I need surgery? What treatment is best for me? With a second opinion from Rush, you can get the answers you need from leading neurology and neurosurgery experts.

To make it as easy as possible to get a second opinion at Rush, we offer virtual intake appointments for patients in Illinois and Indiana diagnosed with a brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm. During this video visit, you'll talk with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. They’ll collect your medical history, diagnosis and any test results to ensure you are matched with the best expert for your condition.

Then, you’ll have an in-person appointment with a Rush neurosurgeon who will offer a second opinion and answer any questions you have. Appointments are often available the day after your virtual intake visit. You can also call (888) 352-7874 to schedule a second opinion appointment for any neurologic condition.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a Virtual Intake Visit*

Or call us at (888) 352-RUSH (7874)

*Virtual intake visits are available for patients in Illinois and Indiana diagnosed with a brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm. All other patients interested in a second opinion should call to schedule.

How can I get a neurology or neurosurgery second opinion at Rush?

You can schedule a second opinion appointment with Rush for any neurologic condition by calling (888) 352-7874.

We also offer convenient virtual intake appointments for select conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with a known or suspected brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm, you can schedule a virtual intake appointment online.

Here’s how the virtual intake appointment works:

You’ll select the condition you are making an intake appointment for and select a time for a virtual appointment. Same- and next-day appointments are available.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll complete an eCheck-in in MyChart.
You’ll have your virtual visit with a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. They will review your medical history, diagnosis and imaging results.
After the video visit, our team will finish verifying your medical records and find the right expert to evaluate your diagnosis. We will then contact you to schedule an appointment with a Rush neurosurgeon.
You’ll have an in-person appointment with a neurosurgeon in Chicago, Oak Park or Aurora to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options and any questions you have.

Marty’s Story: Brain Tumor Care at Rush — After being diagnosed with a rare tumor at the base of his skull, Marty turned to Rush for help.

When should I get a second opinion?

Many patients seek a second opinion when they are diagnosed with a neurologic condition. Getting a second opinion doesn’t mean you don't trust your doctor or you’re second-guessing your treatment plan.

A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and help you understand all your treatment options. If you have been told you may need neurosurgery, a second opinion can confirm the need for surgery and help you understand different procedures.

Choosing Rush for Neurology and Neurosurgery Second Opinions

Among the best in the U.S.: Rush is consistently recognized among the top hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. And, many of our neurologists and neurosurgeons are named “top doctors” in Chicago by Castle Connolly, a recognition voted on by fellow physicians for exceptional patient care.
Immediate access: When you need a second opinion, we get you an appointment quickly. Virtual intake appointments are available within two days, and in-person follow-ups are scheduled within one week. Video visits are powered by Rush Connect, an easy-to-use platform for digital-first care options.
Personalized plan: Rush’s neurology and neurosurgery experts work together to develop a treatment plan personalized for you. Your doctor will work with you to choose treatment options that align with your goals.
Leading brain cancer experts: If you have brain or spine cancer, expert Rush neurologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons and other providers will work together to treat you. Rush partners with MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, to provide exceptional care in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Advanced diagnosis and treatment: Our providers use advanced imaging to diagnose conditions quickly. Our neurosurgeons perform thousands of procedures each year and are experienced in the latest minimally invasive techniques, meaning you can recover faster than with traditional surgery.
Innovative clinical trials: At Rush, you’ll have access to clinical trials investigating breakthrough treatments for neurologic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients living in Illinois or Indiana who have been diagnosed with a known or suspected brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm are eligible for a virtual intake appointment.

Rush can provide second opinions for all neurologic conditions. Call (888) 352-7874 to begin the second opinion process.

There are many reasons to consider a second opinion. When you’re facing a new diagnosis, a second opinion can offer peace of mind.

If you have a complex or unclear condition, a second opinion can help confirm your diagnosis. A second opinion can help you understand all your treatment options and make decisions about your care with confidence.

In some cases, your insurance may require you to get a second opinion before certain treatments or surgeries.

Most providers will be supportive of your decision to get another opinion. Let your doctor know you are satisfied with your care, but that you want to explore all available options before starting treatment. If you are uncomfortable or nervous about talking to your provider, bringing a friend or family member along can help.

To get the most out of your virtual intake appointment, come prepared to discuss your diagnosis, where you received your diagnosis and any previous treatment, and imaging tests and biopsies you have had.

Before your virtual visit, a Rush team member may call you to discuss any previous imaging you have received. Previous imaging is not required but can be help your providers evaluate your diagnosis.

The second opinion virtual appointment (as well as any in-person second opinion visits) will be billed to your insurance.

To ensure you receive a second opinion as quickly as possible, you will be matched with the first available provider. Our team will make sure you are matched with a provider who is an expert in treating your condition.

No, you do not need a referral to receive a second opinion at Rush.

Call (888) 352-7874 to make a second opinion appointment for any neurological condition.

If you are seeking a second opinion for a brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm diagnosis, you can schedule a virtual intake appointment online.

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons can evaluate all known or suspected neurologic conditions, including brain tumors, dementia and cognitive disorders, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, neuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, skull base tumors and spine tumors.

No, you can choose to have treatment where you prefer. If you would like to receive your treatment at Rush, our team can arrange the care you need.

Our virtual intake visits are only available in Illinois and Indiana.

If you live outside Illinois or Indiana and are interested in a neurology or neurosurgery second opinion, call (888) 352-7874.

Yes. Call (888) 352-7874 to make a second opinion appointment for any neurological condition.

If you are seeking a second opinion for a brain tumor, skull base tumor or brain aneurysm diagnosis, you can schedule a virtual intake appointment online.