Virtual second opinion frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Penn Medicine’s Virtual Second Opinion Program gives you access to the unparalleled expertise and insights of our world-renowned specialists in the comfort of your own home. Penn Signature Services team members will partner with you throughout your second opinion experience. If you choose Penn Medicine for your care, you will receive a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan designed by doctors who are experts in your specific condition.

Request a virtual second opinion

Penn Medicine’s Virtual Second Opinion service is a self-pay program with the cost starting at $1,000 USD*. This service is not covered by insurance. However, Penn Medicine does separately offer in-person second opinions, which may be covered by insurance.

*If insights from additional experts—such as radiologists—are required, there may be an extra charge.

Penn Medicine is proud to partner with a global digital health technology company to provide virtual second opinions. Our doctors’ expertise, in combination with leading-edge digital health technology makes expert medical advice available to you no matter where you live.

A second opinion may be beneficial when:

• you are unsure of your diagnosis or it is unclear
• you have several medical issues
• you are not responding to treatment as expected
• you are not happy with your care
• your healthcare provider recommends surgery or a major procedure
• the treatment recommended for you is risky or rare
• you think other treatment options might be available

Request a virtual second opinion

To begin, please email SecondOpinion@PennMedicine.upenn.edu, submit our secure form, or call us at 215-316-5112. A member of our team will contact you to help you through the process of getting a virtual second opinion.

No, everyone is entitled to a medical second opinion.

The American Medical Association’s code of ethics states that doctors should encourage their patients to obtain a second opinion when either the patient or the doctor feels it is appropriate. Obtaining a second opinion does not mean you need to leave your treating physician.

Once you request a virtual second opinion from Penn Medicine, our team will:

• guide you through the process
• gather your medical records
• connect you with the best-suited physician specialist for your needs
• provide a comprehensive, customized second opinion plan within five business days

It is a fully virtual process — no referrals, exams, or visits are required.

Our experienced team will determine which Penn Medicine specialist is most appropriate to handle your virtual second opinion.

You may submit up to five questions for our expert doctors to review when they develop your second opinion. Please make sure all your questions are included when you start the process. Additional questions cannot be added once your case begins.

You can also ask up to three clarifying questions after you get your written second opinion report.

You will receive a full written report within five business days after your records and reports have been collected and posted.

In most cases, yes. After you and your local doctor receive the second opinion, a member from the Penn Signature Services team will contact you to answer any questions and discuss next steps.

If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment at Penn Medicine, let us know.

We offer specialized services to accommodate medical records that are not in English. Translation services may have additional charges.

Penn Medicine protects the privacy and security of our patients.

Penn Medicine’s online portals meet all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are securely processed.

If you prefer an in-person appointment at Penn Medicine instead of an online second opinion, please email SecondOpinion@PennMedicine.upenn.edu.