Expert Second Opinions
When it comes to your child’s care, every answer counts. We’re here to help.
As a nationally recognized pediatric hospital, Seattle Children’s provides your child with advanced treatments, new diagnostic tests and clinical trials that are only offered to current patients.
A second opinion is a standard part of care and an important step in feeling clear and confident about what comes next.
Need confirmation? Get reassurance that your child’s diagnosis or treatment plan is on the right path.
Need another perspective? Receive an independent review from the nation’s leading pediatric specialists.
Need deeper expertise? Connect with subspecialists who care for complex and rare conditions every day.
How to request a second opinion
You can contact Seattle Children’s directly to request a second opinion consultation without a referral. Our pediatric experts will review your child's medical information and provide clear guidance based on their unique needs.
Second opinion appointments may be covered by your health insurance plans. However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage and whether a referral is required by your plan.
You do not need to currently receive care at Seattle Children’s to request a second opinion. We regularly provide second opinion consultations for patients receiving care at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, Randall Children’s Hospital and other hospitals and health systems.
Explore your options
See below for the list of specialties at Seattle Children’s currently offering second opinions.
To start the second opinion process, contact the Cancer and Blood Disorder Center by calling 206-987-2106 or by emailing [email protected]. We will respond to you within 3 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review. We will also discuss clinical trials your child may qualify for as well as gene and cellular therapy options.
Second opinions are offered for craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, and other conditions that may require surgery.
If you live in Alaska, Idaho, Montana or Washington: For a second opinion or more information, please call 206-987-2208.
If you live outside of those four states: For a second opinion or more information, please call 206-987-0184 or email [email protected].
We will respond to you within 4 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send us for review.
For families interested in learning more about our approach to managing your unborn baby’s condition, the Fetal Center offers virtual second opinion consultations.
To request a second opinion:
- For urgent health concerns that might need intervention or surgery
- Call the Maternal Fetal Intervention and Surgery Program at 206-987-5629 or email us at [email protected].
- For all other concerns
- Call 206-987-5629 or email the Fetal Center at [email protected].
We will respond to you within 4 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review.
To start the second opinion process, call the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program team at 206-987-2521. We will respond to you within 7 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review.
Currently, the Heart Center offers second opinions for patients who need heart surgery.
If you are interested in a second opinion for your child’s heart surgery, fill out this form.
Our team will review your form and contact you for next steps within 2 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review.
To get a second opinion for your baby, email our Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program team at [email protected] or contact Seattle Children’s Neonatology at 206-987-2675. We will respond to you within 5 business days. Our team will work with you on what to send to us for review.
To start the second opinion process, contact the Neuroscience Center team by calling 206-987-2016. We will respond to you within 4 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review.
To start the second opinion process, contact the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team by calling 206-987-2109. We will respond to you within 2 business days. Our team will then work with you on what to send to us for review.