Your health is personal, and the choices you make about your health care should be, too. When you’re facing surgery or receive a new diagnosis—especially one of a complex medical condition—you’ll think of how it will affect your life, and it might intimidate you. Having peace of mind that you’re making the right choices may seem out of reach, but it’s closer than you think. Getting a second opinion can give you confidence that you’ll be able to take the right path moving forward. And, best of all, you can get a second opinion online.

When to Get a Second Opinion

The best time to get a second opinion is before you make an important health decision, such as having surgery or starting a long, possibly invasive, treatment plan. This could be if you’re diagnosed with cancer, an autoimmune condition, or another chronic issue that you’ll need to manage for the rest of your life. Or, it could be when you’re told you need surgery following an injury or due to the progression of a disease you already live with.

Medicine is challenging, and intensive treatment options and rare diagnoses are based on a lot of information. You may have gotten multiple rounds of bloodwork, had imaging done, and spent hours in doctor’s offices reviewing your symptoms. Even if you’ve seen your doctor for years and have a deep level of trust in them, a second opinion can ensure that everything is considered and that you’re on the right track.

The best time to get a second opinion is when you could use more peace of mind about your health.

The Best Way to Get a Second Opinion Online

Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for weeks for an appointment with a new specialist or travel across the country to get a second opinion. You can find an expert physician who will review your records and provide a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. In fact, it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

• Search – First, you’ll want to search for a service or provider who is qualified to render a second opinion on your diagnosis. Make sure they have experience in treating the condition and that they’re reputable. A virtual second opinion should give you peace of mind, so you’ll want to find the best of the best.
• Register – Once you find a service or provider you want to use, register online. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and why you’re seeking a second opinion. You will also provide your phone number and email address so they can contact you after registration. When you’re contacted, you’ll be asked more detailed questions about your condition and need to authorize releases for your medical records.
• Discuss – After you register and complete your intake—and the expert physician reviews your records—you’ll receive a written second opinion. You may also have the option to meet virtually with the specialist who completed the opinion. If you have questions about your diagnosis, how it will affect your lifestyle, or concerns about treatment, this is a good opportunity to learn more. You should also discuss the second opinion with your original provider so you can move forward with treatment.

Getting a second opinion online could be the best decision you make for your health and your peace of mind. But you shouldn’t trust just anyone to provide it.

Who Should Complete Your Second Opinion?

When you’re seeking a second opinion, look for someone who is an expert in treating your condition. You could be looking for an oncologist who specializes in skin cancer, an orthopedic surgeon who has performed hundreds of knee replacement surgeries, or a neurologist with a lot of experience treating people who have had strokes.

The Clinic can connect you with some of the world’s leading expert physicians at Cleveland Clinic. With access to 3,500 expert specialists across more than 550 advanced subspecialties, you can trust that your virtual second opinion will come from someone who has deep knowledge and experience treating your condition.

Register Online with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

Register online with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic today and take control of your healthcare journey. Get peace of mind knowing that you’ve explored all of your options and made an informed decision about your health. Your health is personal, and the choices you make for it should be, too.