How To Start Your Second Opinion Virtual Visit
To start the process of requesting a second opinion virtual visit, simply fill out the form below. Once your completed form is received, you will be contacted within 2 to 3 business days.
NOTE: Depending on your location, state laws on the practice of medicine may prohibit second opinion virtual visits. In the event we are unable to provide you with a second opinion virtual visit, our team would be happy to assist you with scheduling an in-person appointment.
How Do I Get A Second Opinion With Medicaid
Purview has established the Mike Shane Memorial Fund to fill this Medicaid second opinion gap for patients with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of liver cancer. Mike Shane was a close friend and supporter of the Purview team, who tragically lost his life to Cholangiocarcinoma following a year-long battle. After his initial diagnosis, Mike sought a second opinion on his diagnosis and treatment plan. Though he lived in Dayton, Ohio, Mike was able to afford to make the trip to visit a specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Mike understood that many people don’t have the resources necessary to seek this second opinion and receive the highest level of care. The charity that is his legacy believes that essential, life-saving healthcare should not be limited to those with private insurance or their own financial resources to obtain the best care the industry has to offer.
Through the Mike Shane Memorial Fund, Purview is working to close the gap for patients who can’t afford a needed second opinion.
How Do I Find The Right Doctor For A Second Opinion
The easiest way to find a second doctor is to ask your regular doctor for a recommendation. They can help you find another doctor, and forward all your medical records. Its a good idea to find a doctor in a different office to avoid a conflict of interest.
You can also find a doctor by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 . They can help you connect with a doctor in your area who accepts Medicare coverage.
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How Do I Find The Right Second Opinion Doctor
The best place to start your second opinion search is to ask your current doctor for a recommendation. Your doctor is unlikely to be surprised or offended. After all, getting a second opinion is common before making any major medical decision.
When a doctor seems like they have the right specialty knowledge and skill, go ahead and schedule a second opinion appointment.
Looking for a second opinion?
Telehealth Cancer Second Opinion
You can also get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis and treatment by visiting with a team of specialists in your cancer type from the comfort of your own home. Through a telehealth cancer second opinion, you can meet with a team of multidisciplinary cancer specialists to confirm an initial diagnosis, ask questions and explore your treatment options.This helps ensure you get the correct diagnosis and the best treatment for your type of cancer. Learn more about our telehealth cancer second opinion or call to schedule.
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What If I Don’t Receive My Check On The Expected Date
If your check doesn’t arrive on the date listed above based on your birth date or other circumstances, the Social Security Administration says to wait three additional mailing days before calling. If you still haven’t received it, you can then call 800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
The SSA notes that wait times to speak with a representative are shorter Wednesday through Friday and later in the day .
People With Any Cancer Diagnosis Can Benefit From Getting A Second Opinion
Second opinions offer different things in different circumstances, Dr. Matasar says. If its a common cancer with a well-established standard of care, they can offer insight into clinical trials or novel treatments that may be better than the standard. He adds that second opinions also can provide insight into topics like clinical genetics and family risk or issues related to complementary or integrative medicine approaches to manage symptoms.
For cancers that are less common, second opinions can offer more treatment options. In circumstances where there may not be a single established standard of care, we can ensure the treatment plan integrates the most current, up-to-date data, Dr. Matasar says. Even if someone is being seen at a different academic center, the trials and other treatment options that we offer here may be different.
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Does Medicare Cover Third Medical Opinions
In some cases, Medicare will even cover third opinions. If the first two doctors didnt agree on your treatment options and youre not sure what treatment is best for you, you can request a third opinion. Think of it as a tie-breaker. Medicare Part B also pays 80% of third opinion appointments.
What extra benefits and savings do you qualify for?
The Potential Influence Of Cost
The positive effect of a second opinionto encourage an appropriate surgical decisioncan only be achieved if people use the benefit. The magnitude of cost-sharing has been repeatedly shown to be inversely related to use rates for health services . However, the effect of cost-sharing on use of second opinions has not been studied. Although the hypothesis that reduced patient cost-sharing will increase beneficiary use of second opinions is plausible, the data necessary to directly answer the question of whether offering a no-cost second opinion actually increased second opinion use are not available.
The reimbursement incentive approach used in the Medicare demonstrations is based on the assumption that beneficiaries will be more inclined to voluntarily obtain a second opinion if no out-of-pocket cost is incurred. Beneficiaries obtaining second opinions out-side the demonstrations incur out-of-pocket costs in the form of coinsurance . In addition, the beneficiary is responsible for paying any charges in excess of Medicare’s allowable charge, except where the second opinion physician accepts Medicare assignment.
Second and third opinions are currently covered under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program, Medicare Part B, and are subject to a deductible of $75 and coinsurance of 20 percent of the physician’s usual, customary, and reasonable charge .
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Obtaining A Second Opinion
Asking another physician/surgeon for a second opinion is an important step in ensuring that this particular procedure is the best option for you. A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about the best treatment for your condition and can help you weigh the risks and benefits against possible alternatives to the surgery.
Several health plans now require and will pay for patients to obtain a second opinion on certain non-emergency procedures. Medicare may also pay for patients to obtain a second opinion. Even if your plan does not require this, you still can request a second opinion.
If you decide to get a second opinion, check with your health plan to see if it is covered. Your primary care physician or hospital can provide you with names of qualified physicians. Be sure to get your medical records from your first physician so that the second one does not need to repeat tests and procedures.
Remember, in the case of emergency surgeries, the surgery should be performed as quickly as possible and, most likely, there will not be time to obtain a second opinion. The necessity of getting a second opinion should always be weighed against the severity and urgency of the medical condition.
INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?
The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. Its all done remotely and you dont have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You dont even need to leave home!
Does Insurance Cover A Second Opinion
Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover a second opinion. Insurance plans may require even a second opinion. Some health insurance plans within the Salt Lake valley, such as SelectHealth, may require patients to first see an in-network provider but will cover out-of-network providers for second opinions. Patients should talk to their insurance provider to understand what is covered.
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Second Opinions Offer Reassurance
Asking for a second opinion doesn’t mean you think the first diagnosis is wrong or that you doubt your doctor. In fact, it may give you peace of mind by confirming your diagnosis. You can then feel confident moving forward with your recommended treatment plan.
Your physician may also request a second opinion if there is no standard treatment plan for your diagnosis. In some cases, a second opinion could prevent unnecessary treatment or surgery.
How Do I Tell My Doctor I Want A Second Opinion
First, dont worry about feeling like youre offending your doctor. Just like how we do our homework before making a big purchase, changing jobs or starting a family, its normal to research your health care decisions, too. Your doctor has had patients seek second opinions before. In fact, doctors ask for second opinions themselves when they consult with other specialists. Second opinions are a very regular part of medicine.
When telling your doctor that youd like a second opinion, be upfront and direct. Most doctors will welcome a second opinion they may even suggest it themselves. But be sure to stay in touch with your current doctor about how your second opinion process is coming along. In most cases, youre simply looking for additional information and opinions, not necessarily a new doctor.
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Who Pays For It
The vast majority of insurance programs, including Medicare, do cover second opinions. But the golden rule is to speak with your insurance provider first. For the most part, it will be a matter of finding out the proper protocol to follow within your provider’s guidelines. PPO plans provide the most straightforward course of coverage, while managed care and HMO plans may require prior authorization and/or the use of a plan-approved provider.
Why Seek A Second Opinion
Perhaps youre not feeling confident about your doctors decisions. Maybe youre feeling rushed. Other reasons to get a second opinion include:
- Your insurance company may require it before covering your treatment.
- You may have options including not needing the medicine or procedure, or one being less expensive than another.
- Youre concerned about the risk or how it might affect your lifestyle, family or work.
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How To See A Specialist
Your primary care provider may feel that you have a medical concern that needs to be treated by a doctor who has special training. If so, your PCP can help you find a specialist who can best treat your health condition. You can also use our Find a Doctor or Provider tool to find a specialist.
Any care you receive from a specialist is covered. You do not need a referral to see a specialist.
If you need a printed list of participating specialists, contact Member Relations at 1-800-553-0784 .
How Do I Make It Happen
There are two paths forward one with help from your physician, the other without. For some patients it’s important to go into a secondary consult with a blank slate. If you’d be more comfortable seeing a physician independent of your diagnosing doctor, Linden suggests connecting with others who have received the same diagnosis and asking about their experience. Activist groups, organizations and support societies are all sources for feedback and names of specialists.
But it may be easier for you just to ask your physician for a referral. And enlisting your original doctor in the process will make it simpler to transfer records and test results to your new provider. If you’re concerned that the first doctor’s opinion might influence the second’s, don’t be. Physicians receiving patients for a second opinion understand that their job is to reexamine and reevaluate the information independently.
“I consider myself to be an advocate for my patients. I always encourage a second opinion, and I may be able to help them find an expert for their disease and get the appointment as soon as possible, says Adil Akhtar, an associate professor of medical oncology and hematology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan. That’s the attitude you want to see in your doctor.
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How Do I Find Another Doctor For A Second Opinion
If you decide you want a second opinion, tell your current doctor. You might be worried about this, but getting a second opinion is a normal and routine part of today’s cancer care. They will not be offended. They might even be able to recommend another doctor for you to contact. You can also search the Find a Cancer Doctor database from Cancer.Net. It has a list of cancer specialists who are members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in the United States and around the world who have made their information available.
Other places to look for a second doctor include:
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The closest hospital, medical clinic, or cancer center to you
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Friends and family members
Learn more about how to find a doctor for your cancer care.
Second Medical Opinion Insurance Coverage
Once you find 2 or 3 surgeons you are interested in, find out if seeing them will be covered by your insurance . Getting a second opinion covered depends on your health insurance plan. Here is more information about common health insurance plans:
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Second Opinion After Back Surgery
If you are considering having back surgery, you may want to get a second opinion from another doctor. This is especially important if the first doctor you saw is not a spine specialist. Even if the first doctor is a spine specialist, you may want to get a second opinion to be sure that surgery is the best option for you. Some insurance companies require that you get a second opinion before they will approve surgery.
It is normal for a person in doubt to seek additional advice from family members, friends, colleagues, or even the person themselves. You can receive the treatment you require if you have a second opinion â or you can get relief if you have one. You should consult your doctor as soon as possible after surgery if you require a second opinion. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Craig Callewart, MD believes that the most important aspect of providing exceptional patient care is establishing strong relationships with his patients. Following the second opinion, you will need to notify him of any previous treatment and provide your medical records. His assessment will include both your symptoms and the treatment plan you have chosen.
Does Medicare Cover Second Opinions
- Occasionally, you may want to seek the opinion of a second doctor if you feel uncertain about the diagnosis of the first one. Here’s what you need to know.
You may occasionally find yourself in a situation where your doctor has given you a diagnosis or recommendations that you’re unsure of. In these instances, you may want to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Does medicare cover second opinions? Luckily, the answer is yes in most cases.
Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans both cover second opinions as long as its for a service that Medicare typically covers. And in instances where both doctors disagree, Medicare also covers the cost of a third opinion.
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How Do You Use A Second Opinion
When you have gathered the information you need, go over it with your primary care doctor or the specialist of your choice. Talk about how treatment choices might change your daily life, now and in the future. For testing choices, talk about how the results would be useful to you.
If your doctors agree, your decision should be clearer. But sometimes doctors disagree. Even when doctors follow the same guidelines, there may be more than one treatment choice. Two doctors may have good, yet different, opinions about how to treat you.
If the doctors don’t agree, talk to your primary care doctor again. Can he or she help you with your decision? If not, and if you still wonder about other options, talk to a different kind of provider. For example, if you are thinking about back surgery, meet with two surgeons and talk to a physical therapist , a physiatrist , or a doctor with experience in nonsurgical back care. You might learn about some nonsurgical, lower-risk choices you can try.
Remember, the final choice is yours.
Current as of: October 6, 2021
How Do You Get A Second Opinion
Ask your doctor for the name of another expert, someone with whom he or she is not closely connected. Explain that this is how you like to make big medical decisions. Don’t worry about offending your doctor. Second opinions are expected.
If you aren’t comfortable asking your doctor for a name, check with your insurance company, a local medical society, or the nearest university hospital.
If you are deciding about a surgery or other special treatment, ask your primary care doctor for the name of a surgeon or specialist who doesn’t work with your current surgeon or specialist. Also think about getting an opinion from a health professional with a different background.
When getting a second opinion, follow these steps:
Forms you can take to your doctor visit include:
- New medicine information
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