4 Benefits of Getting a Virtual Second Opinion
There are many benefits to getting second opinions from the healthcare professionals at Cleveland Clinic, one of U.S. News & World Report’s top hospitals. Some of these benefits are focused on your health and well-being, such as the added clarity an expert physician can provide about a diagnosis or treatment plan. Still others are about the convenience of a virtual second opinion, which can save you the time and trouble of travel.
How a Virtual Second Opinion Can Benefit Patients
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s understandable to want a second opinion. Especially if you’re facing a rare or complicated condition, getting another perspective can ensure that you’re on the right track with your treatment plan.
1. Improved Patient Care
First and foremost, the biggest benefit of getting a second opinion from a doctor virtually is improved patient care. Through a virtual second opinion, you have access to some of the best minds in medicine to get the answers and peace of mind you need.
For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you can be connected with a world-renowned cancer expert to get their take on your situation. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care.
2. Better Decision-making
In addition to improved patient care, another benefit of virtual second opinions is better decision-making. When you have all the facts, it’s much easier to make informed decisions about your health. The peace of mind and confidence that comes with knowing you’re making the best decision for your health is priceless. The right doctor will help you turn anxiety and questions into a clear path forward.
3. Increased Access to Care
Getting an expert second opinion remotely can also increase access to care. When you’re dealing with a complex condition, you may not have the option to see the doctor of your choice in person. However, with a virtual second opinion, you can be connected with a Cleveland Clinic specialist no matter where you are in the world.
4. Timeliness of Care
Finally, getting a virtual second opinion can be more efficient than a traditional visit to a physician. Rather than facing long waits typically encountered in scheduling an in-person appointment, you can receive an in-depth, educational second opinion report about your diagnosis or treatment plan from an expert physician in about two weeks.
Get a Virtual Second Opinion as an AFSPA No-Cost Benefit
If you’re interested in learning more about virtual second opinions, or if you’re ready to get started with your own remote consult, the AFSPA’s Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) overseas members have access to Virtual Second Opinions by Cleveland Clinic.
Through this service you can draw, at no cost to you, on the expertise of 3,500 Cleveland Clinic expert specialists in over 550 advanced subspecialties to review all of your medical records, imaging, labs and pathology to make sure you have the correct diagnosis and optimal treatment plan.
To get started, email the Plan at secondopinion@aetna.com. The Plan will review your request and if you qualify for the Virtual Second Opinion, you will receive instructions on the next steps.
