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Second opinion

A second opinion on your diagnosis or proposed surgery.

A second opinion is an independent assessment of your diagnosis and of the proposed treatment. You get honest advice, even when that advice is “do not operate”. What you do with it is your decision; you are under no obligation.

Appointment for a second opinion →

Or call 03 890 16 74 (AZ Rivierenland) · 050 534 510 (AZ Zeno)

Who it is for

When is a second opinion useful?

  • You have been advised to have surgery and you are unsure, or want to be certain before you decide.
  • Doctors have given you different advice about the same complaint.
  • The proposed procedure is major or complex, for example a fusion over several levels or an operation on the brain or spinal cord.
  • Your symptoms persist or return after previous surgery.
  • You want to know whether non-surgical options remain.

Do not wait in an emergency. In case of sudden paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a sudden, extremely severe headache: call 112 or go to the emergency department.

How it works

How does a second opinion work?

  1. 1Appointment

    Book an ordinary consultation, online or by phone, and mention “second opinion”.

  2. 2Your records

    Gather the images themselves (not just the report), the reports and the letter with the proposal. You have the right to a copy of your patient record; the first copy is free.

  3. 3Consultation

    Dr Lavrysen reviews your images and reports, examines you and discusses the options, including non-surgical ones, with their chances of success and their risks.

  4. 4Advice

    You receive a written report, at your request also for your GP. What you do with it is your decision.

What to bring

  • Images — MRI, CT or X-ray, on a USB stick or via a secure link from the hospital
  • Reports — radiology, EMG, previous consultations
  • The proposal — the letter or report describing the planned procedure
  • Medication list — especially blood thinners
  • Identity card — and your referral letter, if you have one

Images from AZ Rivierenland and AZ Zeno are available digitally.

To prepare

Questions you could bring.

Write down beforehand what you want to know. For example:

  • What exactly is the diagnosis, and does it explain my symptoms?
  • What happens if I do not have surgery (yet)?
  • What other treatments are there, including without surgery?
  • How likely is it that my symptoms improve, and what are the risks?
  • What does recovery involve, and when can I return to work or sport?

Frequently asked questions

Good to know.

Do I have to tell my own doctor that I am asking for a second opinion?
No, that is not required. You choose your doctor freely and may change that choice (Belgian Patients’ Rights Act, art. 6). At your request, the report goes to your GP.
What does a second opinion cost?
The same as an ordinary consultation: the statutory fee plus a supplement of €36.26. If you are entitled to increased reimbursement (verhoogde tegemoetkoming / intervention majorée), you do not pay a supplement. More about costs.
Can Dr Lavrysen treat me afterwards?
He can, but you do not have to. It is your decision; a second opinion commits you to nothing.
How do I obtain my images and reports?
From the hospital or doctor who made them. You have the right to a copy of your patient record; the first copy is free (art. 9). Images from AZ Rivierenland and AZ Zeno are available digitally.
I am a doctor and would like to present a case.
You can do so directly: see the information for referrers.