Second Opinion Consult
Cost: $125 for a 45-minute virtual consult plus a written summary. This is an educational consult, not a diagnosis or a treatment visit.
What this is
Forty-five minutes on video with a physical therapist, spent entirely on your case. You bring what you have: the imaging report, the surgical recommendation, the exercise handout, the six weeks of therapy that did not help. I read it, ask questions, and give you a straight assessment of whether the plan you are on makes sense and what I would do differently.
No hands-on treatment, no formal evaluation, no documentation sent to your insurer. Just an informed outside read, which is often the thing people actually need before making a decision.
Who this is for
- You have been handed a surgical recommendation and want to understand whether conservative care was genuinely exhausted first.
- You are eight weeks into physical therapy somewhere else and nothing is changing.
- You have an MRI report full of words like degeneration, tear, and impingement and you do not know how alarmed to be.
- You were discharged and have no plan, and you want to know what a reasonable next 8 weeks looks like.
- You live outside the Denver area and cannot see me in person.
What to send before the call
Email these to me at least 24 hours ahead so I have time to actually read them rather than skimming them live:
- Any imaging reports (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound). The radiologist’s written report matters more than the images themselves.
- Surgical or operative reports, if applicable.
- Your current exercise program or therapy handouts.
- A short written summary of the timeline: when it started, what happened, what you have tried, what helped and what did not.
- What you are trying to get back to, specifically.
What to expect on the call
- Minutes 1 to 15: I ask questions about your history and walk through what you sent, translating the imaging report into plain language.
- Minutes 15 to 30: A guided self-assessment. I have you move through specific positions on camera so I can see how you actually move rather than relying only on paperwork.
- Minutes 30 to 45: My honest read. What I think is driving your symptoms, whether the current plan is reasonable, what I would change, what questions I would ask your physician, and what would make me want to see you in person.
What is included
- 45 minutes of video consult, recorded and sent to you if you want it.
- Pre-call review of everything you send.
- A written summary emailed within 48 hours: my impressions, suggested next steps, and specific questions to bring to your physician or therapist.
- A short starting exercise program if one is appropriate.
- One follow-up email exchange for clarifying questions, at no extra charge.
What is not included: a formal diagnosis, a prescription, imaging orders, hands-on treatment, or a legal medical opinion. If you live in Colorado and want an actual clinical evaluation, the Standard or Comprehensive Evaluation is the right service instead.
Cost, stated plainly
| Service | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Second Opinion Consult | 45 min, virtual | $125 |
| Additional 30-minute follow-up consult, if you want one later | 30 min | $75 |
| Credit toward an in-person evaluation booked within 30 days | n/a | Full $125 credited |
Payment is due at booking. Cancel or reschedule with 24 hours notice at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to be licensed in my state?
This is an educational and consultative conversation, not the practice of physical therapy across state lines, so it is available regardless of where you live. That is exactly why it stops short of a formal diagnosis or treatment. If you need hands-on care, I will help you figure out what to look for in a local provider.
Will you tell me whether to have the surgery?
No, and you should be skeptical of anyone who would in 45 minutes. What I will do is tell you whether conservative care looks like it was given a fair attempt, what a well-built conservative plan would actually include, and what questions to bring back to your surgeon. Plenty of people have surgery after this consult. They just go in better informed.
Is this going to be awkward with my current therapist?
It should not be. Good clinicians welcome a second set of eyes, and the written summary is framed so you can share it directly with them. I am not trying to poach you, and I will say so plainly if I think your current plan is solid and you should stick with it.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Usually yes, since this is a health consultation with a licensed provider. I will send an itemized receipt. Confirm with your plan administrator to be sure.
What if 45 minutes is not enough?
For most cases it is, because I have already reviewed your paperwork before we start. If your case is genuinely complicated, I will tell you at the end and you can add a 30-minute follow-up for $75. I will not run the clock down and then ask for more money.
Can I do this if I am not sure I even have a problem?
Yes. Plenty of people book this because something feels slightly off and they want a professional opinion before it becomes a real injury. That is a reasonable use of $125.
The insurance question
This is not billed to insurance. Most plans do not cover a consultative second opinion from a physical therapist at all, which is part of why this service exists as a flat-fee option. If you are in the Parker area and want insurance-based care, see me at CACC Physical Therapy.
Ready to start, or still deciding?
The 30-minute consultation is free and carries no obligation. If a different service is the better fit, I will tell you that instead of selling you this one.
More questions? The FAQ page covers logistics, policies, and insurance. You can also read patient success stories or browse the full service list.
Glenn Wellmann DPT 