You may benefit from a second opinion if you:
- Have been diagnosed with a serious or rare health condition (a diagnosis is required for a second opinion).
- Have a condition that is not improving or is getting worse despite treatment.
- Have been told a health condition is not treatable.
- Are considering a treatment that involves significant risks, such as surgery.
- Need guidance choosing from multiple treatment options.
- Want confirmation about a diagnosis or treatment.
World-class Cleveland Clinic specialists can analyze any diagnosed health issue, and our streamlined, hassle-free process minimizes unnecessary time gathering records. And with the industry-leading end-to-end turnaround time, you do not have to wait to turn questions and anxiety into peace of mind and a path forward. We typically deliver second opinions in just a few days once complete records are collected. Depending on your situation, record collection may take some time, and in that case, the entire second opinion service takes about two weeks.
All you need to get started is to register and set up your live intake session with a care manager. We will take it from there and get you started.
1-minute program overview video: Click here.
3-minute user experience demo video on how to get started: Click here.
International patients, click here for more information.
- Live virtual intake with a registered nurse to get started.
- Concierge record collection service (our hassle-free process keeps you from spending unnecessary time gathering records)
- A nurse and a care coordinator, dedicated to your process, and there to help you each step of the way
- Expedited match and review of your condition by a Cleveland Clinic physician, specialized in your specific condition.
- A written second opinion report, and an opportunity to ask follow-up questions.
- Everything included in the Written Report option, plus
- A virtual visit with the Cleveland Clinic physician to review their recommendations on your diagnosis or treatment plan, live via a video call (or phone call upon request)
No, insurance does not cover this concierge second opinion service. Our team cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier or provide a procedure (CPT) code for our service.
However, if your employer offers this service as part of your benefits package, the service may be of no or lower cost to you. Please check with your employer.
You may also be able to pay with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). If you are not sure if you have an FSA or HSA or your filing requirements, please talk to your employer, insurance provider or accountant. You are responsible for determining if this service is a Qualified Expenditure and any taxes, penalties, fines or surcharges according to applicable federal and state law for utilizing it for a Non-Qualified Expenditure.
We expect that the services provided by The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, a separate entity from Cleveland Clinic, are not covered by Medicare or certain commercial insurance as they do not meet the prescribed criteria for reimbursable services or are otherwise omitted from coverage. If you are a Medicare participant, you can obtain a virtual second opinion by The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic as a self-paid service but agree not to otherwise bill or attempt to get reimbursement from Medicare.
Virtual Visit + Written Report option is available in these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV. In rare cases, a virtual visit with the Cleveland Clinic physician may not be possible due to physician availability. In these cases, you will receive the written report and be refunded the price difference of $200.
Written Report option is available in these states/territories: AK, AL, AR, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, KS, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OK, OR, UT, VT, WA, WY.
We cannot offer our services in these states: ME, SD, RI. While we are working hard to make our services available everywhere, if you currently live in one of these states, you may seek an in-person second opinion at one of Cleveland Clinic’s locations.
We offer our written report option to international patients, for USD 2,500. International patients upload their medical records in English through our secure online platform. A nurse care manager reviews your case and matches you to a Cleveland Clinic consulting physician specialized in your specific condition.
Our international service is available globally except in the following countries: Australia, China (Hong Kong is eligible), Germany, Denmark, Greece, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Russian Federation, Sweden, and Turkey.
You may also obtain an international second opinion if you are located in these U.S. territories: AS, GU, MP, PR, and VI.
Click here to get started.
Medicine is a collaborative team sport, so there is no reason to feel strange that you are asking another for their opinion. It is your health, and if you aren’t 100% sure of your diagnosis or completely comfortable with your treatment plan, a virtual second opinion is a great way to explore your options.
We always suggest that you discuss the recommendations shared in your virtual second opinion with your local treating physician. In addition, in some cases, they will need to sign a VSO (Virtual Second Opinion) request form to get your case started and will receive a written report at the end.
We typically deliver second opinions in just a few days once records are collected. Depending on your situation, record collection may take some time, and in that case, the entire second opinion service takes about two weeks.
Your Nurse Care Manager works with our Chief Clinical Officer to match you with one of 3500 Cleveland Clinic expert specialists, experienced in your specific condition.
To speak with a member of our team, please call 866.887.1572 or contact us online.
67% of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change.
We cannot guarantee it, but we are happy to connect you to the right staff at Cleveland Clinic to get the process started.
The Clinic is an innovative joint venture owned by Cleveland Clinic, a world-renowned multispecialty academic medical center and Amwell, a global leader in telehealth.