How and when to get a second opinion.
Get a second opinion if/when:
- You’re unsure about a diagnosis or treatment recommended by your doctor
- You’re given a serious diagnosis
- Surgery is recommended as your treatment
- Long-term or risky treatment plan is recommended
- If you aren’t seeing improvements from your current treatment
How to get a second opinion in person:
- Find 3-5 In-Network Doctors in your area
- Check patient reviews to make sure you’re comfortable with their experience
- Schedule your appointment
- Request your medical history to transfer to the 2nd opinion doctor
- Be prepared for your appointment and ready to ask your doctor questions until you feel comfortable with your diagnosis and treatment plan
Pro: Meeting with an in-network provider may be paid for by your insurance company depending on your plan.
Con: Where you live may impact the quality or the number of specialists you can access.
How to get a second opinion online:
- Choose an Expert Second Opinion organization that provides online medical second opinion consultations
- Search for your condition to see if it is among the diagnoses they work with and how much it will cost for your consultation
- Register for your online medical second opinion
- Request your second opinion by completing the process of providing your patient information, medical questionnaires, required materials, eligibility verification, and final submission
- Prepare for your consultation by knowing what questions to ask your doctor
- Most patients will need their doctor to complete a Request For Consultation Form
Pro: Board certified staff physicians from the Cleveland Clinic will review your diagnosis, treatment options and alternatives, answer submitted questions and provide information on clinical trials.
Con: Insurance companies will not pay for MyConsult 2nd opinions, however depending on your medical plan, it may be reimbursable with HRA or HSA funds.