It’s an easy and fast way to benefit from the expertise of a Cleveland Clinic specialist when confronting a significant medical issue, all without the cost or hassle of travel. The specialist reviews your medical history and records, and provides a written second opinion report regarding your diagnosis and/or treatment plan. We typically deliver second opinions within a few days once we have your medical records. Record collection may take time. In that case, the entire process takes about two weeks.
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.
Read about the process here. Or see a brief explanation below. (International patients, click here for more information)
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.
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 about four 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.
The all-inclusive cost for a virtual second opinion for patients in the U.S. is $1,850 and includes:
- Live video with a registered nurse to get started.
- Collection of your relevant medical records and reports from your providers, imaging locations or labs if needed – a concierge service that takes the work off your hands, so you can focus on you.
- Expedited match and review of your condition by a Cleveland Clinic physician, specialized in your specific condition.
- A written second opinion report
You will not be charged until after your intake visit, and you may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours after your intake visit. To cancel, please call us at (866) 877-1572.
International patients – click here.
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.
No, insurance does not typically 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.
No. The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic does not participate in Medicare.
If you are a Medicare participant, we can provide a virtual second opinion as a self-paid service (not reimbursed by Medicare).
You may be able to pay for a virtual second opinion with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). If you are not sure if you have an FSA or HSA, please talk to your employer or insurance provider.
We offer virtual second opinions everywhere in the U.S. except for patients located in these states:
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
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.
If you are not located in the above-mentioned states, you can get a virtual second opinion now.
Absolutely. We welcome international patients, and we are happy to provide you with a virtual second opinion (see exceptions below). The all-inclusive cost for a virtual second opinion for patients outside the U.S. is $2500 (USD).
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. The physician reviews all aspects of your diagnosis and treatment plan and provides an in-depth written opinion report in English.
We regret that we cannot offer Virtual Second Opinions in the following countries:
- Australia
- China
- Germany
- Denmark
- Greece
- Iran
- North Korea
- South Korea
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Russian Federation
- Sweden
- Turkey
A second opinion can help you make a more informed, confident decision about your medical care needs. Sometimes, it may uncover treatment options you didn’t know were available. And in some cases, the information gained can result in a recommendation for diagnosis change. This information can sometimes result in less invasive surgery or a more effective treatment plan.
Getting a second opinion from a Cleveland Clinic consulting physician helps turn questions and anxiety into answers and peace of mind.
No travel is required. The entire process is completed from the comfort of your home.
You cannot receive a prescription through this service.
You will enter your credit card information via our secure platform prior to your live video intake with a nurse. If, for any reason, it is determined during your intake call that your case cannot be processed, you will not be charged.
We regret that we do not offer payment plans.
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.
Yes, your local provider will need to sign a VSO (Virtual Second Opinion) request form to get your case started. Your local treating physician will also receive a written report at the end, and retains ultimate responsibility for your care and treatment plan.
You can register and take other actions via your mobile phone or tablet, too.
Any computer connected to the internet with audio and video capabilities can be used to receive the second opinion. If you do not have audio or video on your computer, a telephone can also be used.
With your consent, we do all the work of collecting records relevant to your condition and thoughtfully preparing your medical information for review by the consulting physician to best evaluate your diagnosis and/or treatment options.
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.
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.
We have found that about 72% of cases uncover a potential diagnosis change or recommended treatment plan modification.
No, you will not get a call from your care manager. You will receive an email with a link to join your video intake with the care manager. Follow the instructions, and you’ll be ready.
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 a separate entity from Cleveland Clinic. It is an innovative joint venture owned by Cleveland Clinic, a world-renowned multispecialty academic medical center and Amwell, a global leader in telehealth.
