Get a Written Medical Second Opinion from UHealth Medical Specialists
Request a Second Medical OpinionGet Medical Advice from the Comfort of Your Home, Anywhere in the World
If you have questions about a medical diagnosis or treatment that you or a loved one received from your physician, we can help.
Getting a written medical second opinion from one of our board-certified physicians can give you confidence to move forward. In just a few steps, you can receive personalized medical advice — all from the comfort of your home.
About Our Online Written Medical Second Opinion Process
Our written medical second opinion program allows international patients to submit an online request from anywhere, anytime.
Currently, we provide written medical second opinions for ophthalmology and urology, with plans to expand to other specialties in the future. Our services include the following:
Request a Medical Second OpinionOphthalmology
Bascom Palmer, part of the University of Miami Health System, is ranked the number one eye hospital in the United States.
As a global leader in eye care, we evaluate and treat a wide range of diseases and disorders of the eye. You can come to us if you need a second opinion for a glaucoma diagnosis or corneal disease. Our board-certified eye doctors can also address vision issues related to eye injuries, aging, keratoconus, and many other medical conditions.
Urology
As world-leaders in urology services, our board-certified physicians can support both men and women seeking a written second opinion for a cancer diagnosis and other urology conditions.
If you are a man facing prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), our second opinion team can help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Women and men both can also find expert medical advice for conditions like incontinence, bladder or kidney cancer, recurrent kidney stones, and more.
How to Get a Written Medical Second Opinion
To get a written medical second opinion, please follow these steps:
Submit your request.
Complete the request form to get started.
Activate your “MyUHealthChart”.
You will receive an activation code that will allow you to set up your “MyUHealthChart” (our secure patient portal access) where you will upload your medical records and process payment for the service.
Records review/case acceptance.
Upon collection of your medical records, we’ll conduct a thorough review to ensure the proper documentation has been received to accept the case.
Specialist evaluation.
Once the case is accepted, your records will be reviewed by a highly trained physician who will provide a written medical second opinion. A University of Miami Health specialist will conduct a thorough evaluation and prepare a detailed written report.
Report delivery.
You will be provided the written report via the MyUHealthChart secure patient portal answering your specific questions and detailing the specialist’s diagnosis and recommendations. You’ll also receive information about the specialist’s education and experience.
Why Second Opinions Matter
Making an informed medical decision can be complicated — and sometimes a second opinion can make all the difference. Through our written second opinion service, you can get advice from top-ranked U.S. physicians who are experts in their fields. Benefits of a second opinion may include:
- A thorough review of your diagnosis and an opinion regarding treatment options
- Informed decision-making
- Access to additional cutting-edge treatments
- Access to advanced treatment options and latest therapies
FAQs
Why should I get a written medical second opinion?
Getting a written medical second opinion may help you confirm your diagnosis, validate your treatment plan, and explore alternative treatments. A second opinion can also help provide peace of mind that you are getting the right treatment for your condition.
What is the cost of a written medical second opinion?
The cost of a UHealth written medical second opinion is $1,500. There may be additional charges if you need pathology or imaging review. Also, there is a non-refundable fee of $250 if the case is denied for various reasons.
Can I use my insurance for written medical second opinion?
We do not take insurance for written medical second opinions.
Will my doctor be offended if I get a written medical second opinion?
It is very common for patients to seek a second opinion, and you should not worry or feel bad. What’s most important is that you get the best possible care and feel comfortable and confident with your treatment.
How long does it take to get a written medical second opinion?
You can expect to receive a written second opinion within 72 business hours of submitting all the required documentation. It may take longer depending on factors such as the quality of the records provided, the potential need for extra services like imaging or pathology review, and the specialist conducting the evaluation.
What are written vs. virtual vs. in-person second opinions?
At UHealth, we offer second opinion services using your medical records and supporting documentation. A written second opinion service is completed via MyUHealthChart. A virtual second opinion is where you meet with a provider on video. This means you can do everything online and get access to a specialist consultation with one of our physicians from anywhere in the world. An in-person second opinion is where you physically consult with a provider, which requires travel to the U.S.
What are the next steps after receiving the written medical second opinion?
If the written medical second opinion differs from the first, you may choose to schedule a virtual or in-person medical consultation with the UHealth specialist who prepared your report. A specialist consultation is an extra service and is not included with the written second opinion fee. Talking with the specialist can give you a chance to discuss your questions and treatment options in more detail.
What information and records do I need to request a written medical second opinion?
When you request a second opinion, you must provide your medical records in English on our secure patient portal. We understand that you may have questions about this process, and we provide detailed instructions to help guide you each step of the way.
How can I get help as an international patient?
As part of our UHealth International services, we can provide extra support, like translation services and patient advocates, if needed. However, we do not cover the cost of translating medical records. Our goal is to be among the best hospitals for second opinion services. We’re honored to serve our international patients and want to make your experience as easy as possible.
Why Choose UHealth?
Proven care. UHealth – University of Miami Health System is ranked among the best hospitals in Florida by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2024-25 — recognized in 15 areas of care. Our Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the number one eye hospital in the U.S.
World-class specialists and technology. With more than 1,800 providers and scientists, we’re helping to advance medical breakthroughs with innovative technology and cutting-edge treatments. Our board-certified second opinion physicians use their expertise to provide thorough diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
International patient support. Our multicultural program is built around your needs. We understand your unique challenges and provide dedicated services to support you on your health journey.
Cancer Center of Excellence. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is recognized as a Cancer Center of Excellence, meeting the rating standards created by a joint committee of members from the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council and the Biomedical Research Advisory Council, two advisory groups mandated by the Florida Legislature. This recognition demonstrates that we follow evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, detection, and control.
Request a Medical Second Opinion
Please Note: If you are experiencing symptoms that are urgent in nature please contact your primary care physician or your nearest urgent care facility.
Existing patients can schedule an appointment by logging in to MyUHealth Chart or by calling 305-243-4000.