A medical second opinion is when a provider different from the one who originally gave you a diagnosis or treatment plan provides you with their recommendations. You might go seek a second opinion if you receive a diagnosis that you’re not confident in, a treatment plan that doesn’t align with your lifestyle, or if you’ve been told you have a rare or complex condition. There are even options for getting a second opinion online—but how does that work without visiting a doctor’s office?
How a Remote Second Opinion Works
Getting a remote—or virtual—second opinion is easy, you’ll just need to follow a few steps. Find a provider or service, complete your intake, wait for the expert to review your records, and then go over your second opinion. You might even have the option of talking with the physician who gave the second opinion.
Search for a Service
The first step is to find a provider who will be able to render a second opinion that gives you more insight into your health. Your original diagnosing provider may have recommendations of specialists who provide virtual second opinions. Additionally, if you have an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, it may include coverage for specific second opinion services.
If you’re searching on your own, there are plenty of online services that you can register with and receive a second opinion. Make sure that you find one that will connect you with an expert physician who specializes in treating the condition you want a second opinion on. Some services make it even easier by providing concierge record collection and a dedicated Nurse Care Manager to walk you through the process.
Complete Your Intake
Like most healthcare services, you’ll need to complete an intake when you register. You’ll be asked to answer a few questions about yourself and provide your records or sign release authorizations. This step will ensure the expert physician who completes the second opinion has everything they need to make accurate recommendations.
An Expert Physician Will Review
The physician will then spend time reviewing your records and the other information you provide. With their experience and expertise, they’re able to confidently confirm or challenge diagnoses and treatment plans in most cases. Some medical conditions are too complex for a virtual second opinion. In those cases, the second opinion team should notify you so you can visit a specialist in person.
Receiving Your Second Opinion
After the review, you’ll receive a written medical second opinion. It will include important information about your health and medical condition, including confirming or challenging the original diagnosis and updated treatment recommendations. If you choose to meet virtually with a physician, they’ll review their opinion with you then.
Register Online for a Virtual Second Opinion from a Leading Expert
The Clinic connects patients with leading expert physicians at Cleveland Clinic. No matter where you’re at, you can get in touch with a physician who specializes in your condition. Plus, when you register with The Clinic, you’ll receive concierge record collection and a dedicated Nurse Care Manager, so you don’t have to do any heavy lifting. The whole process typically takes less than two weeks, so you can have peace of mind that you’re making the right decisions for your health without having to wait.
Register online to get started.
