Get an Online Second Opinion from Top Physicians at UChicago Medicine

Whether you are facing a complex health issue or difficult treatment decision, getting a second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your care. With our remote second opinion service, you can get a written or telehealth second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts without having to leave home.

Schedule an In-Person or Telehealth (Video) Second Opinion

If you’d like an in-person second opinion or a video visit please call 1-888-824-0200 or submit a form to request an appointment.

Get a Remote Written Second Opinion

Through our partnership with PinnacleCare VirtualConnect, you will have a care team to help you through every step of this process. The service is convenient, confidential and easy to get started.

  1. Sign up through our platform.
  2. A coordinator will connect with you and gather medical records.
  3. A UChicago Medicine specialist will review your case and write a comprehensive report about your diagnosis and treatment options.

Note: This program should not be accessed for urgent or emergency situations that require immediate medical assistance.

For more information, contact us at SecondOpinions@uchospitals.edu

Online medical second opinions start at $750. This fee is usually not covered by insurance. Included in this fee are:

  • A dedicated care coordinator
  • Collection of medical records
  • Medical review by an expert UChicago Medicine physician
  • Written opinion from a physician with answers to your top questions
  • Personalized debrief telephone call with a physician
  • Access to the UChicago Medicine referral network

*Please note that depending on the complexity of your case, there may be additional fees for Radiology and Pathology interpretations.

The Benefits of Getting an Online Second Opinion

  •  We do all the work—a dedicated coordinator gathers all necessary medical records and questions you have regarding the diagnosis.
  • It is fast! At UChicago Medicine we strive to turnaround second opinions within 72 hours of the physician receiving comprehensive medical records.
  • There’s a one-time fee. Written second opinions start at $750. More complex cases that require radiology or pathology review may incur additional charges.

Get an Online Second Opinion When:

  • There is a new diagnosis and/or treatment plan
  • A change in treatment plan has been recommended
  • Surgery or an invasive procedure has been recommended
  • The diagnosis is unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

Second opinions are an important aspect of your medical care. Receiving a second opinion can help you secure the right diagnosis before pursuing a treatment plan, avoid unnecessary procedures or surgeries and give you confidence that you are making fully-informed decisions about your health.
A PinnacleCare Advisor will contact you within one business day of your virtual consultation request. Your PinnacleCare Advisor will speak with you to gather your medical history and the details of your current diagnosis. Your advisor will then gather and organize all pertinent medical records on your behalf and coordinate a virtual consultation with the appropriate specialist. PinnacleCare manages the transfer of your medical records and coordinates all the details of your virtual consultation. Your PinnacleCare Advisor remains in regular contact with you throughout the remote second opinion process. After your remote second opinion, your PinnacleCare Advisor will reach out to discuss any additional questions you may have and to set up a call with a PinnacleCare Medical Director to review the remote second opinion report.
Once all background information and medical records are received, the specialist will write a remote opinion report, which will be delivered to you by your PinnacleCare Advisor. Due to licensing and liability regulations, you will not speak with the specialist directly as a part of the remote second opinion process.

Online medical second opinions start at $750. Included in this fee are:

  • A dedicated care coordinator
  • Collection of medical records
  • Medical review by an expert UChicago Medicine physician
  • Written opinion from a physician with answers to your top questions
  • Personalized debrief telephone call with a physician
  • Access to the UChicago Medicine referral network

*Please note that depending on the complexity of your case, there may be additional fees for Radiology and Pathology interpretations.

Insurance carriers typically do not reimburse for second opinions, but in certain cases some costs may be covered. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to confirm the details of your coverage.

Yes, all of your activity with PinnacleCare is strictly confidential. PinnacleCare is a HIPAA-compliant company and no personal information is shared without your consent.
Yes, remote second opinions can be coordinated for anyone, across the globe. Translation services for non-English medical records are also available for an additional fee.
Generally, the process takes 7-10 business days. In some cases, record collection or translation can delay the submission of information to the specialist. Additionally, if pathology slides need to be reviewed, the process may be lengthened.