Dr Željko Kojadinović — NEUROHIRURGIJA I LEČENJE BOLA
Dr Zeljko Kojadinovic — Pain Treatment & Neurosurgery
Author: Dr. Zeljko Kojadinovic, MD, PhD – Neurosurgeon and Pain Management Specialist
If you’ve received a neurosurgical diagnosis
If you or a family member have received a neurosurgical diagnosis and have been advised to undergo surgery or conservative treatment, you can consult us if you feel uncertain. A second opinion helps you understand the proposed treatment more clearly, gain confidence in the decision, or consider alternative options when appropriate.
We explain whether surgery is truly indicated, what surgical or non-surgical options exist, what the realistic risks are, and how those risks are usually managed. We also answer specific questions related to imaging findings, neurological status, and expected recovery.
In most cases, we respond within 24 hours after the initial contact.
In time-sensitive situations — such as patients in intensive care or unclear postoperative recovery — priority consultations can often be arranged within a few hours.
For more complex cases, a detailed review is performed before the video consultation, often supported by advanced image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure a focused and meaningful discussion.
When does a second opinion help most?
– When surgery is being proposed
– When recovery is unclear or slower than expected
– When imaging and symptoms don’t fully match
– When a patient is in ICU and the situation feels uncertain
What Kind of Conditions?
We provide second opinions on all neurosurgical diseases affecting the brain, spine, or nerves — such as:
- Brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas)
- Brain aneurysms and vascular conditions
- Brain AVMs
- Brain injuries and post-traumatic issues
- Hydrocephalus and Its Connection to Dementia
- Spinal tumors
- Nerve injuries or nerve tumors
- Chronic, long-lasting pain related to the nervous system
- All forms of long‑lasting and persistent pain can be treated this way, including headaches, neck pain, facial pain, back pain, herpes zoster neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, and others.
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Cervical disc herniation
- Pain after lumbar discectomy
- CNS infections
- Epilepsy surgery
- ICH
Consultation Process
The consultation starts with a brief message describing your situation — sent via email (zkoja@yahoo.com), Viber, or WhatsApp. If the situation is time-sensitive, you may mention “PRIORITY” in your message.
At this stage, you do not need to prepare or send medical documentation.
Typically within 24 hours (or sooner in Priority cases), you’ll then receive:
• A reply explaining whether and how we can help
• A brief outline of the consultation steps
• A suggested time frame for the video consultation
• Information about the consultation fee and payment options (usually PayPal or bank transfer)
Only if a consultation is appropriate, you’ll be invited to send additional information, such as:
• A written summary of your symptoms, relevant events, or current concerns
• Any available medical records or imaging (CT/MRI reports or images), if you have them.
Many questions can be clarified even without complete documentation. After reviewing the information, we may either ask additional questions or proceed directly to the scheduled video consultation.
During the consultation, findings are explained clearly, uncertainties are addressed, and realistic next steps are discussed in detail.
When clinically appropriate, a brief written summary or follow-up recommendations may be provided to support understanding or further care. This is not required or necessary in every case.
After the consultation, you are welcome to ask brief follow-up questions for up to 10 days.
A video consultation may also be referred to as a virtual visit, online consultation, remote consultation, or telehealth appointment.
Key Benefits of This Approach
- There’s enough time for everything to become clear — no rushing
- You can ask follow-up questions even after the consultation
- You don’t need to travel — yet you still receive insight from an experienced neurosurgeon
- You will better understand whether surgery is truly necessary, and what the best approach is
During the video visit, we re-check the clinical logic step by step and discuss a clear, concise plan — what to rule out, what to try next, and which interventions are not indicated. This clarity often prevents unnecessary procedures and speeds up recovery.
Request a Neurosurgery Second Opinion
If you or a family member has a neurosurgical condition (brain/spine tumor, traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, vascular lesion, etc.), an independent second opinion can clarify the diagnosis and next steps.
- ✔ Send a short message describing the condition and your main questions
- ✔ You’ll receive a reply within 24 hours if and how we can help — including the consultation cost and a suggested time
- ✔ In cases of high urgency, we can usually arrange a consultation within a few hours. If you need this, write PRIORITY in your initial messages.
- ✔ Only then, you may send any available medical documentation, if you have it.
- ✔ During the video consultation, we will explain your case clearly and answer all your questions. After the consultation, you may ask brief follow-up questions for up to 10 days.
Consultation fees typically range from $180–250, depending on the complexity of your case. Secure payment by credit card, PayPal invoice (USD), or bank transfer.
Based on our medical report, reimbursement can often be obtained if your insurance plan allows it.
This is within the usual range for specialist telehealth second opinions in neurosurgery. Many patients use second opinions to confirm the diagnosis, compare treatment options, and feel confident about the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for a second opinion even if I already have surgery scheduled?
Yes, that’s exactly when it matters most. A second opinion can help you feel more confident in your decision — or explore other options that may be less invasive or more effective.
Will my doctor be offended if I seek another opinion?
In most countries, seeking a second opinion is a patient’s right and a standard part of medical care. Many doctors support it — especially for complex or surgical cases.
Do I need new MRIs or CT scans to consult you?
Not necessarily. If you already have imaging and medical documentation, we can usually give you a detailed assessment. If something is missing, we’ll let you know.
How do I know this isn’t a scam?
This service is provided by a licensed neurosurgeon with over 35 years of clinical experience and published research on PubMed. You’ll receive a direct response before any payment is made — explaining if and how we can help. We also provide a written report and follow-up, ensuring full transparency.
How is artificial intelligence used in this consultation?
AI is used to assist in the background — helping analyze complex medical histories and published literature. It never replaces clinical judgment, but helps us explore all relevant treatment paths more efficiently.
Can I get reimbursed by my health insurance for this consultation?
Reimbursement depends on your individual insurance plan and the type of coverage you have. Based on our experience, many patients have obtained reimbursement without major difficulties, especially if they had out-of-network or similar benefits. We do not bill insurance companies directly.
We provide a formal medical report and a detailed invoice containing the clinical information typically required for reimbursement claims.
We provide a formal medical report and a detailed invoice containing the clinical information typically required for reimbursement claims.
English homepage – overview of neurosurgery and pain consultation