Second Opinions
Considering surgery or a major treatment and want to make sure it's the right path? An honest, expert second opinion gives you peace of mind — with no referral, no authorization, and no pressure.
Why Get a Second Opinion?
A second opinion is not a sign of distrust in your current doctor — it's a sign of good judgment. Surgery is permanent, injections and medications have consequences, and not every plan is right for every person. A fresh set of trained eyes can confirm that the current approach is sound, or offer alternatives that haven't been considered yet.
It's often the difference between moving forward with confidence and moving forward with lingering doubt. Either way, you deserve to know what your options are before committing to something significant.
The Direct Care Advantage
Traditional second opinions are often harder to get than they should be. Many insurance plans require a formal referral, prior authorization, or a specific documentation process — all before the second physician has even seen you. That friction is enough to discourage plenty of patients from ever seeking a second opinion at all.
Because Pathways Foot & Ankle operates outside the insurance model, that entire barrier disappears:
- No referral needed — you can schedule directly with Dr. Clifford
- No insurance authorization — there's no one to approve before you're seen
- No delay — same-day and next-day appointments are usually available
- No pressure — an opinion is an opinion. There's no agenda to take over your care
A Genuine Second Opinion
A second opinion is not a takeover. You keep your current treating physician unless you decide otherwise. Dr. Clifford's role is to provide an honest, expert assessment of your situation — nothing more, unless you choose to make it more.
You Decide Whether Your Doctors Talk
Should Dr. Clifford communicate directly with your current treating physician about the second opinion? That's entirely up to you.
If You Want Them to Coordinate
Dr. Clifford can speak with your treating doctor directly to make sure recommendations are aligned and nothing gets lost in translation. This is often the most efficient way to move forward — especially if you're weighing a major decision like surgery.
If You'd Rather Keep It Private
You're under no obligation to inform your current doctor that you sought a second opinion, and Dr. Clifford won't contact them without your say-so. Many patients prefer to think it over privately and decide what to share on their own timeline.
Either way is completely reasonable. We'll follow your preference — not a default process.
When a Second Opinion Makes Sense
- Surgery has been recommended and you want to be sure it's the right next step
- You've had surgery and you're having doubts about your recovery
- A treatment plan hasn't worked and you're not sure what to do next
- You've been told "there's nothing more we can do"
- You have a complex or unclear diagnosis and want another perspective
- You simply want to feel confident before committing to something permanent
What to Expect at Pathways Foot & Ankle
- An unhurried, in-depth evaluation of your history, imaging, and current plan
- A clear, honest explanation of what Dr. Clifford sees — and what he'd recommend
- Discussion of alternatives if the current plan isn't the best path forward
- No pressure to change doctors or treatment — the decision is always yours
- Optional: direct communication with your treating physician, if you want it
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to get a second opinion?
No. Because Pathways Foot & Ankle is a direct care practice, you can schedule a second opinion directly with Dr. Clifford. There is no referral needed and no insurance authorization required — which is often the biggest hurdle patients face when seeking a second opinion through the traditional system.
Will Dr. Clifford try to take over my care?
No. A second opinion is exactly that — an opinion. You keep your current treating physician unless you choose otherwise. Many patients simply want confirmation that their plan is sound, or a fresh perspective on alternatives. Dr. Clifford has no interest in disrupting an existing care relationship you're happy with.
Can Dr. Clifford talk to my current doctor?
Yes — if you want him to. It's entirely up to you. Some patients want the two physicians to communicate directly so recommendations can be coordinated. Others prefer to keep the second opinion private and decide for themselves what to share. Both are completely reasonable, and we'll follow your preference.
What should I bring to a second opinion visit?
Bring any imaging you've had (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), your current treatment plan if you have it in writing, a list of medications, and any questions you've been holding onto. If you don't have records, that's okay — we can often obtain imaging or evaluate you fresh.
Will my insurance cover a second opinion?
Pathways Foot & Ankle is a direct care practice, so we don't bill insurance directly. You pay our transparent self-pay rate at the time of the visit, and we can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your plan's out-of-network benefits.
What kinds of decisions is a second opinion useful for?
Second opinions are most valuable when surgery has been recommended, when a treatment plan isn't working, when you've been told nothing more can be done, or when you're weighing options like injections, shockwave, regenerative therapy, or orthotics. If you're uncertain about the next step, a second opinion can help clarify it.
Take the next step — reach out today
Pathways Foot & Ankle - Dr. Craig Clifford
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045
(971) 359-5299 — Call Dr. Clifford directly
Same-day & next-day appointments available, no referral needed
House calls also available throughout the region.