Get a Second Opinion for Heart Surgery

Are you thinking about heart surgery or feeling unsure about your cardiac surgery treatment plan? Get a second opinion at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth. You can schedule an in-person or virtual consultation whether you’re already a patient at St. Elizabeth or receiving care elsewhere. Count on our specialists to give you peace of mind and help you feel confident about your next steps.

When to Get a Heart Surgery Second Opinion

If you are facing heart surgery, you might have questions about your diagnosis or what treatment is right for you.

With recent advances in heart care, you have options. St. Elizabeth surgeons offer the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures. This means you’ll have smaller incisions—about 2 centimeters, or the size of a peanut—and experience a faster recovery.

We want you to feel comfortable with every healthcare decision you make. That’s why we offer second opinions for current patients and patients under the care of other providers. We offer second opinion consultations for any recommended surgical heart procedure, including:

Learn More

Call (859) 301-9010 to schedule an appointment with one of our cardiac surgeons.

The Benefits of a Second Opinion

A second opinion helps you understand all your treatment options. You may benefit from a heart surgery second opinion if:

  • You received a diagnosis and are considering a specific treatment.

  • You have unanswered questions about your diagnosis or treatment plan.

  • Your doctor recommends traditional “open” heart surgery (sternotomy), but want to explore minimally invasive procedure options are available.

Our team will answer all your questions and discuss every available treatment option. Then, we’ll make recommendations based on your health and long-term goals.

A Team of Heart Specialists Working for You

At St. Elizabeth, our team works together to deliver a personalized care plan for each patient. Whether we’re your first stop or you’re here for a second opinion, you can expect our team of heart surgeons and cardiologists to review your case. This means that at St. Elizabeth, you always benefit from multiple expert opinions. When you choose St. Elizabeth, you have access to a full range of heart services to support your health journey. These include:

  • Cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology – Ways to diagnose and treat heart conditions, such as heart valve disease or coronary artery disease, using a thin tube (catheter) placed in a large blood vessel.

  • Cardiac rehabilitation – A program designed to help you regain strength after heart surgery.

  • Clinical research – Studies of the latest treatment options for a range of heart conditions.

  • Nurse navigation – Guidance, every step of the way.

Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang

Dr. Christensen

Dr. George Christensen

Dr. Michael Ising

Dr. Mickey Ising

Dr. Michael Kasten

Dr. Michael Kasten

Dr. Juan Penaranda Canal

Dr. Juan Penaranda Canal

This comprehensive team approach is why our Heart & Vascular Institute and heart surgeons are:

  • Certified by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center.
  • Classified as a three-star program (the highest ranking offered) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve surgery by the Society for Thoracic Surgeons
  • Consistently recognized by our peers in Cincinnati Magazine’s listing of top-rated surgeons in our region. Ranked in the 99th percentile for patient satisfaction in Press Ganey surveys.
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital for heart bypass surgery

How to Get a Second Opinion at St. Elizabeth

We know that speed is important when it comes to healthcare decisions. We offer in-person and online second opinion appointments within days of your request.

You can schedule a second opinion appointment directly with our team without a referral from your doctor. You can also work with your primary care provider, cardiovascular nurse navigator or another provider on your care team to coordinate a second opinion consult.

Many insurance plans cover some or all the costs of second opinion consultations. You do not have to transfer your care to St. Elizabeth to get a second opinion.

Before your appointment, we’ll work closely with you and your care team to complete the necessary paperwork, coordinate with your insurance and access your medical records.

What Happens During a Second Opinion Consult?

During a second opinion consult at St. Elizabeth, we’ll review your previous test results. We’ll also make sure you understand your diagnosis and talk with you about every available treatment option.

You do not need to repeat cardiac testing to get a second opinion. However, we may recommend additional testing after your second opinion consultation.

Patient Success Stories

Rounding with LVAD Patients

The Inspiring Stories of Heart Patients and Their Caregivers.

Larry Myrick

For 41-year-old Maysville resident Larry Myrick, the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth has dramatically improved – and likely saved – his life.

Heart Surgery Second Opinion – FAQs

No. Surgeons understand that this decision isn’t about them, it’s about the patient. They welcome and encourage second opinions, especially for complex procedures like heart surgery. Seeking confirmation demonstrates that you are being a proactive and informed partner in your own health care, and it is standard practice in major medical centers.

St. Elizabeth provides one of the most comprehensive minimally invasive heart surgery programs in the country. Our team includes internationally recognized experts in Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery (TECS) as well as leaders in robot‑assisted heart procedures. This dual expertise allows us to tailor the approach to what is safest and most effective for you. A second opinion here ensures your case is being evaluated by experts trained in these cutting-edge methods so you receive a complete, unbiased review of all advanced options.

No. We know timing matters in heart care. Our team fast-tracks second opinions so you can review your options without disrupting your treatment plan. Regardless of your condition, we work quickly to bring you clarity and peace of mind without creating unnecessary delays.

To ensure the most thorough review, you should provide any existing medical records, recent blood tests and copies of your cardiac imaging, such as echocardiograms, CT scans and the original surgeon’s consultation notes. Our staff will help you coordinate the transfer of these files beforehand.

If our team believes there is a safer, more effective, or less invasive option than what was originally proposed, your surgeon will clearly explain the rationale, review the comparative data and answer all your questions. The final decision on your treatment remains entirely yours.

In most cases, yes. Most health insurance providers, including Medicare, cover a second opinion for major surgery. Our cardiac surgery care navigators can assist you in verifying coverage and understanding any associated costs.

Our cardiac surgery team provides second opinions for a wide range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valve disease, heart rhythm disorders and complex cardiac issues that may require surgical intervention. We also review cases involving advanced procedures like bypass surgery, valve repair or replacement and minimally invasive approaches. If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, our team can help guide you.

Heart & Vascular Institute Locations Near You

Our team sees patients across Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.

Visit our Cardiac Surgery Office in Edgewood

711 Medical Village Drive
Edgewood, KY 41017-3439