During your virtual second opinion consultation, you’ll meet with the physician you were matched with to discuss your condition and treatment recommendations. This meeting happens online, so you don’t have to try and make it to an office on time—you won’t even have to leave your home.

Preparing for Your Virtual Second Opinion Consultation

By the time you’re ready for your virtual second opinion consultation, you’ll have already had your initial diagnosis from a primary provider or specialist and probably spent some time researching your condition on your own.

Before you meet with the physician you’re matched with, you’ll talk with the intake nurse. This is your chance to talk about your condition and treatment options, so it’s important to make the most of this opportunity. Discuss questions you have (use the list below for inspiration) and talk about your symptoms with the intake nurse. Your matched provider will review these questions and the information you provide so they can consider it when writing their medical opinion.

Preparation Checklist

• Test your internet, computer camera, and microphone beforehand so you’re not delayed by technical difficulties.
• Notify anyone else in the space that you’ll need privacy during your consultation.
• Have a pen and paper handy to take notes.
• Make a list of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This will help the physician understand your condition better.
• Take note of any medications or treatments you’ve tried in the past, as well as their effectiveness.
• Write down any questions you have about your diagnosis or treatment options.

Questions to Ask

• What are my treatment options?
• Are there any new or alternative treatments available?
• How will this condition and its treatment affect my daily life?
• Are there any potential side effects or risks associated I should be aware of?
• Is this diagnosis certain, or are there other possibilities that we should explore?
• What is the expected outcome of this treatment?
• Do I need to make any lifestyle changes in order to support my treatment plan?

What You Can Expect

During the consultation, the expert physician will review their medical opinion about your diagnosis and recommended treatment. This opinion will be based on your medical records, the information you provided, and any questions and concerns you discussed with the intake nurse.

Throughout the consultation, the physician will provide you with professional insight and guidance based on their expertise and experience. The goal for you is to gain valuable context about your condition and potential treatment options to make informed decisions about your care moving forward.

After the Appointment

Following the consultation, the specialist will write up their second opinion report detailing their recommendations and any additional insights or information. Once complete, you’ll receive a copy of the report and can review it with your primary provider or specialist to determine the best course of action for your health.

Remember, your second opinion is a chance for you to gain more insight into your medical condition and treatment options. Use the information you gather—and the insights you gain—to make decisions that align with your values and goals for your health.

Take Control of Your Care

You have the option to meet virtually with an expert physician from Cleveland Clinic when you get a virtual second opinion from The Clinic. With 3,500 expert physicians in more than 550 advanced subspecialties, you can be sure you’re receiving the highest quality of care and expertise.

We make it easy for you to connect with a specialist who has experience treating the condition you’ve been diagnosed with. Register online to get started.