MUSC Health Second Opinions

A virtual second opinion from MUSC Health helps you make an informed decision about your medical treatment from the comfort of your home.

Service Areas for Second Opinions

We provide written second opinions for nearly every cancer case in children and adults. This program is also available across multiple service areas. See some of our specialties offered below:

Cardiac arrythmias
General and acute care surgery
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal cancers
Gynecologic cancers
Hematologic malignancies
Thoracic cancers

Orthopedic surgery
Spine surgery
Central nervous system tumors
Genitourinary cancers
Head and neck cancers
Melanoma and sarcoma

Why Get a Second Opinion?

Get expert answers to your health-related questions. Be confident about your diagnosis. Feel empowered to make informed decisions with your provider about your care and treatment options. Take control over your health with a second opinion.

Get a Second Opinion

Frequently Asked Questions About Second Opinions

A second opinion can help you get the best treatment plan possible. MUSC Health physicians can provide expert insight on your health question or medical concern. A remote second opinion can help you secure the proper diagnosis before pursuing a treatment plan, avoid unnecessary procedures or surgeries, optimize treatment paths, and give you confidence that you are making fully informed decisions about your health. A remote second opinion consultation provides you and your treating physician access to the expertise of MUSC Health physicians. Your treating physician will also receive a copy of the second opinion report.

There are various reasons to seek a second opinion in health care. Consider this option if you are uncomfortable or disagree with your diagnosis or treatment approach. If you have a complex or rare disease, input from a specialist in that area can ensure the best treatment possible. A second opinion can also be helpful if you have multiple treatment options, or your current treatment is ineffective and symptoms continue.

Insurance carriers typically do not reimburse for remote 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.

A remote second opinion from MUSC Health costs $995. This cost includes the written report and/or video consultation prepared by an MUSC Health specialist that will be provided to your treating physician. You will receive a copy of the opinion and benefit from the services offered by the Summus team, which include guidance and support, medical records collection, and physician selection.

MUSC Health Second Opinion Process

The process of receiving a second opinion is easy:

Step 1 — Request an opinion. You’ll be asked to provide some information about your health. A one-time credit card payment is required and covers all the services described below. Please note: Health insurance does not typically cover MUSC Health Second Opinions. You may use money from your Health Spending Account (HSA) and/or your Flex Spending Account (FSA) for reimbursement – confirm with your carrier prior to use.
Step 2 — Dedicated advisors and physicians from the Summus team will help gather the requested documentation from your treating physician as well as your medical records. They can also answer any questions you might have throughout the process.
Step 3 — Receive a comprehensive written opinion from an MUSC Health expert physician. It will include a recommended course of treatment and a care plan.
Step 4 — A Summus advisor will follow up within 1 business day of receiving the report. You can request to speak with a Summus medical director to discuss details of the second opinion, but substantive clinical questions should be directed to your treating physician. You and your treating doctor will receive the final written opinion for you to review with them. In some instances, you can have a video consultation with the MUSC Health physician, and the treating physician will be present.

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