Am I making the right choices for my health? How will treatment go? What exactly is this condition I’ve been diagnosed with?

When you receive the news that you have a new medical condition, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. A medical second opinion can make a difference in how you approach treatment—and in your peace of mind. Thankfully, getting a second opinion doesn’t mean you’re stuck making more in-person appointments or waiting for availability. It can be as easy as registering online and connecting with an expert physician.

1. Receiving Your Diagnosis

You won’t need a second opinion if you don’t have an initial diagnosis. When your doctor tells you you’re living with a new medical condition and offers treatment recommendations, that’s their opinion. Their opinion will be based on any physical examinations, lab tests, imaging, and other information you’ve given them or have done at their request. This is the first opinion you receive about the condition.

It’s at this stage that you’ll probably notice that the way you think about your health changes. You likely have all kinds of questions about the choices you made and where you’re at in life. Stay focused on moving forward. You can’t change the past, but you can make smart choices about your care moving forward.

2. Ask Your Doctor About a Second Opinion

Your doctor should be okay with you asking for a second opinion. As a healthcare professional, they know that their interpretation of the information they have is not the only one.

If your doctor doesn’t offer, ask them if they can refer you to another specialist for a second opinion. Or, if you feel more comfortable doing so, you can share your concerns and ask for a referral directly. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a criticism of your doctor’s expertise but rather an opportunity for further confirmation or clarification. They may not have a recommendation for a second opinion, or it may not be reasonable for you to visit that provider, and that’s okay. You can find a second opinion from a trusted provider online.

3. Look for a Referral

You might be able to find a referral from your insurance provider for a second opinion, especially if you received a diagnosis of a complex condition. These referrals will likely be with an in-network specialist—and there might not be any in your area. Traveling might not be an option for you, and that’s okay.

If there isn’t a specialist available nearby or one you can travel to, consider seeking a second opinion from an expert provider online. This is especially helpful if you need a quick turnaround on your second opinion or don’t want to wait for in-person appointments to become available. If you have a flexible savings account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds for an online second opinion as well.

4. Consider a Virtual Service

It’s probably not your first thought to find healthcare services online, but virtual care can be trustworthy and effective. Many services that can connect you with expert physicians are now easily available with a quick search. When you’re looking for a virtual second opinion service, look for one that:

• Can connect you with a physician who specializes in treating your diagnosis
• Is trusted by other patients
• Offers secure and confidential appointments
• Has a transparent pricing structure
• Makes it easy to access your medical records and share them with the physician
• Keeps you updated on the status of your second opinion
• Gives you the chance to meet with the physician who reviews your records
• Has a quick turnaround time

Having peace of mind is necessary for you to be able to move forward with treatment for your medical condition. Don’t let distance or long wait times keep you from getting a second opinion when you can find one online.

5. Make a Decision

Choose an option that works best for you. You may or may not need a second opinion, but if you do, make sure to find one that meets your needs and gives you confidence in moving forward with treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns you have during the process of seeking a second opinion. Your health is important, and it’s worth taking the time to make informed decisions about your care. Remember, it’s not about finding a “better” diagnosis; it’s about having all the information available so you can confidently make choices for your health and well-being.

Get a Virtual Second Opinion from Cleveland Clinic

The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic connects patients with leading experts in more than 550 advanced subspecialties. Our virtual platform makes it easy for you to register, connect with a dedicated Nurse Care Manager for a live intake, provide authorization for us to collect your records, and be matched with an expert physician who will review your records. You also have the option to meet virtually with your matched specialist to discuss any questions or concerns about your condition.

Find peace of mind now; register online with The Clinic.