Get a Second Opinion

When Should You Consider a Virtual Second Opinion from The Clinic?

Consider a second opinion when:

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of patients state they will implement recommendations

92%

What is a second opinion?

A second opinion is when you seek out the advice of another medical professional after receiving a diagnosis or treatment plan from your current doctor. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be reviewed by an expert Cleveland Clinic physician, so you can be more informed and confident before making important decisions about your health. 

When would I need a second opinion?

Consider a second opinion when you’re diagnosed with a serious condition, told you need to have a surgery or procedure, or confused about or struggling with a medical challenge. 

Do I need to travel to Cleveland Clinic for my second opinion?

No travel is required. The expert Cleveland Clinic physician will review your condition and provide a second opinion online. The entire process is completed from the comfort of your home.

How It Works

Virtual Second Opinion Process

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After you register through our secure portal, you’ll have a live video visit1 to meet your nurse care manager and get your second opinion process started.

With your consent, we do all the work of collecting your medical records1, including getting a required local provider signature.

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We will match you with a Cleveland Clinic consulting specialist experienced in your specific condition to review your case. We make this possible weeks sooner than it might be in-person.

After your case is reviewed, a written report will be provided by your expert Cleveland Clinic specialist². You can also ask follow-up clarification questions up to two weeks after you receive your second opinion. 

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Cost

How Much Does a Virtual Second Opinion Cost?

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. 

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Insurance

Does Insurance Cover This Service?

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, please contact your employer or insurance provider.

Our Timeframe

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Second Opinion?

We typically deliver second opinions in just a few days once relevant records are collected. Depending on your situation, record collection may take some time. Generally, the entire second opinion service takes about two weeks.

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Access your account and case information by logging into our platform

Cost Comparison

Virtual Second Opinions provide something invaluable:

Peace of mind. In addition, there are real cost and time savings that can make Virtual Second Opinions the clear choice when you want the expertise of a top specialist.
TravelLodgingMealsLost WagesTime & EffortTurnaround$0$0$0In-Person Second OpinonsVirtualSecond OpinionsWe do all thework for you.Within 2 weeksCost Comparison3Meals at home$251Average Travel Cost$4602Hotel$42434Meals OutDays off workHours gathering medical records,researching the right specialist,and scheduling appointments.$1502+4-5Days (Longer for many specialties)26VSVSVSVSVSVS1. The combined price of the average cost of a domestic flight5 and rental car62. Average cost for two nights3. Average costs of home-cooked meals vs meals out for two people over two days4. Average wait time for an appointment with a specialist5. Average cost of a round trip domestic coach airfare6. Average cost for two daysFootnotes
1. The combined price of the average cost of a domestic flight5 and rental car62. Average cost for two nights3. Average costs of home-cooked meals vs meals out for two people over two days4. Average wait time for an appointment with a specialist5. Average cost of a round trip domestic coach airfare6. Average cost for two days

Getting Started

How Our Program Works

All you need to get started is to register and set up your live intake session with a registered nurse. We’ll take it from there and get you started on your second opinion journey.

World-class Cleveland Clinic medical experts can analyze virtually any diagnosed health issue, and our streamlined, hassle-free process keeps you from spending unnecessary time gathering records. You are matched with a Cleveland Clinic expert physician specialized in your specific condition. And with the industry-leading end-to-end turnaround time, you don’t have to wait to turn questions and anxiety into peace of mind and a path forward. Depending on your situation, record collection may take some time and can elongate the process, but on average, the entire second opinion service takes about two weeks.

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“I was very impressed with Dr. Burns. I particularly appreciated that he shared his plan to help me. I want my procedures to happen at the Cleveland Clinic later this month or early next month.”

– Happy Patient

Making Things Easy

A Quick Path to Clarity

No travel time, record-collecting, or hunting down the best specialists needed. With virtual second opinions from The Clinic, you’ll have the answers you need, right when you need them—with no added hassles or questions. You’ll be more informed and equipped to move forward.

Cleveland Clinic specialists see cases like yours on a daily basis, and have world-class expertise in more than 550 advanced subspecialties to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.