Skip to main content

    Second Medical Opinion

    Worth the cost for big diagnoses.

    Cleveland Clinic 2nd Opinion

    $1,500-3,500

    World-class. Used by Aetna, BCBS, others. Doctor reviews remotely.

    Best top-tier.

    Mayo Clinic 2nd Opinion

    $1,000-3,000

    Same idea. Different specialists.

    Best Mayo.

    PinnacleCare

    Subscription $5,000+

    Premium concierge — assigns a nurse advocate.

    Best premium.

    MORE Health

    $1,500-2,500

    Online consults with academic medical center experts.

    Best online.

    Local academic medical center

    $300-1,500 with insurance

    Cheapest if you can travel. Most insurance covers.

    Best if you can travel.

    When to get one

    • Cancer diagnosis.
    • Major surgery recommended (heart, joint replacement, spine).
    • Rare disease + complex treatment plan.
    • "Last resort" or experimental treatment.
    • Life expectancy + quality of life decisions.
    • You don't feel right about doctor's recommendation.
    • Conflicting advice from multiple doctors.
    • Studies — 20-30% of 2nd opinions change diagnosis or treatment plan.

    Insurance coverage

    • Most major insurance covers 2nd opinion (Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, etc.).
    • Some HMOs require referral first — check.
    • Cleveland Clinic has insurance partnerships — fully covered for many.
    • Medicare covers 2nd opinion before surgery if your doctor recommends one.
    • Self-pay options often available for those without coverage.

    How to ask first doctor

    "I want to get a second opinion before this big decision — can you help me transfer my records?" Most doctors RESPECT this — they prefer patients who are confident in the plan. Doctors who get defensive = red flag.

    Free help finding specialist

    For rare diseases — NIH Rare Diseases Network is free. ALS Association, American Cancer Society, etc. have nurse hotlines that help find best specialists. State medical society referral lines also free.