Second Opinion Cardiologist in Dorset

A specialist second opinion — from a subspecialist, not just a second generalist view

If you’ve been given a cardiac diagnosis, told you need a procedure or device, or started on treatment, and you want to be confident it’s right before you commit to it, seeking a second opinion is a reasonable and common step, not an awkward one. I provide second opinions across the full range of cardiology, with particular depth in heart failure, cardiac devices and inherited heart conditions, and patients regularly tell me they finally understood their diagnosis properly after seeing me.

About this service

I’m Dr Chris Critoph, a Consultant Cardiologist based in Bournemouth, Dorset. Alongside my NHS role, I see private patients specifically for second opinions — on a new diagnosis, an existing one that doesn’t feel fully explained, a proposed procedure or device, or a treatment plan that hasn’t been reviewed in some time. I established and lead the heart failure service at Bournemouth’s main NHS hospital, and I set up and run the only dedicated inherited cardiac conditions clinic on the NHS outside the major London centres. A second opinion with me isn’t a generalist’s repeat view — it draws on subspecialty experience in exactly the areas where second opinions tend to matter most.

Why people seek a second opinion

There are many good reasons to want a second opinion, and none of them require you to have doubts about the doctor who gave you your first one.

  • A diagnosis that doesn’t feel fully explained, or doesn’t seem to match your symptoms
  • Being told you need a procedure, device, or a major change in medication, and wanting confidence before proceeding
  • A rare, inherited, or complex condition, where subspecialty experience can add real value
  • Treatment that was started some time ago and hasn’t been reviewed since
  • Simply wanting a clear explanation, in plain language, of what a diagnosis actually means for you and your future

What makes a second opinion with me different

Two things matter most in a second opinion: genuine subspecialty depth, and actually being able to understand what you’ve been told afterwards. Heart failure, cardiac devices and inherited heart disease aren’t one interest among several for me — they’re the core of my NHS practice, the subject of my research degree, and what I see, week in and week out. Patients consistently tell me they leave understanding their condition and their options in a way they hadn’t before, explained in plain language they can actually act on. That combination — real subspecialty depth, explained clearly — is what I believe a second opinion should give you.

What the consultation involves

A second opinion consultation works best when I can see as much of your existing history as possible beforehand. It’s helpful to bring, or send in advance, any clinic letters or discharge summaries, echocardiogram, scan or ECG reports, and a current list of your medications. We’ll then go through your history, your current diagnosis and treatment, and I’ll give you my honest, independent view — including where I agree with what you’ve already been told, which happens often, and is a good outcome in itself, since it means you leave with genuine confidence rather than lingering doubt.

A virtual (phone or video) appointment is available and is often sufficient for a second opinion, since much of the assessment is reviewing your existing history and results rather than a new physical examination. I’ll let you know if an in-person examination or further testing would add real value in your case.

Who this might be for

  • You’ve been given a cardiac diagnosis and want it independently reviewed
  • You’ve been told you need a procedure or device and want confidence before proceeding
  • You have a rare, inherited or complex condition and want subspecialist input
  • Your treatment hasn’t been reviewed in some time
  • You simply want a clearer explanation of what your diagnosis means, in language you can understand and use

Where I see patients

Consultations take place at Nuffield Health Bournemouth and the Dorset Heart Clinic. A virtual (phone or video) appointment is available for patients anywhere in the UK, which for a second opinion is often all that’s needed. Initial consultations are £285, in line with my other services.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for a second opinion?

No — you can book directly for a private consultation without a referral, though bringing your existing clinic letters and test results makes the consultation more useful.

Will you tell my current doctor or NHS team what you think?

That’s entirely your choice. I’m happy to write to your GP or specialist with my findings if you’d like, or simply give you my opinion for you to use as you see fit.

What should I bring to a second opinion consultation?

Any clinic letters, discharge summaries, echocardiogram or scan reports, ECGs, and a current medication list. The more of your existing results I can see beforehand, the more useful the consultation will be.

Can I have a second opinion by video or phone?

Yes. Many second opinions can be given virtually, since a large part of the assessment is reviewing your history and existing test results. I’ll let you know if an in-person examination or further testing would add value.

What if you agree with my current diagnosis and treatment?

That happens often, and it’s a good outcome — you leave with genuine confidence in your care, rather than doubt.

I’ve been told I have an inherited or rare heart condition — is a second opinion still useful?

Yes, and this is one of the areas where a subspecialist second opinion can add the most, since these conditions are encountered less often in general cardiology practice.

Further reading

Ready to find out more?

Book a Consultation · Call 01202 084550 · info@coastalcardiology.co.uk

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Chris Critoph, Consultant Cardiologist. Last medically reviewed: September 2026.