ConsumerMedical is partnering with Cleveland Clinic to give second opinions remotely.
Here are five takeaways:
1. According to the Patient Advocate Foundation, 30 percent of patients who sought second opinions for elective surgery, and 18 percent of those required to obtain a second opinion by their insurance provider, received contrary advice for recommended treatment.
2. A few of the top U.S. medical centers are offering remote second opinion services, including Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts General Hospital and Mount Sinai Health System.
3. The cost to receive an online second opinion through MyConsult, the system used by ConsumerMedical and Cleveland Clinic, is $565, but if a pathology review is needed then there will be an additional charge of $180.
4. The physicians in the program review the patients' medical records and generate thorough reports, answer questions, advise on treatment options and recommend future care.
5. The program will be incorporated into ConsumerMedical's Guided Patient Support solution, which, in addition to a second opinion, provides patients with information, support and guidance that is needed to help them make better informed decisions about their care.