FAQ


Second Opinion

What is a second opinion

A second opinion is when you talk to a different doctor about your diagnosis or treatment. It can be an in depth examination or a simple chat about your existing diagnosis and treatment options.

Why should I get a second opinion?

There are many reasons why patients seek out a second (or third) opinion:

  • Some conditions are complicated and doctors with different experience or viewpoints can help you reach the proper diagnosis.
  • Many patients facing a difficult or life threatening treatment want to make sure that the treatment is absolutely necessary or that there are no other reasonable alternatives.
  • The best treatment options change rapidly as medical science advances. Doctors from different regions or specialized institutions might have more experience with the newest options.
  • Some rare conditions require narrowly specialized doctors.
  • Sometimes the patient and the family wants to understand what is going on and their doctor is unable or unwilling to fully explain.

Do doctors make mistakes?

Of course, we all do. Medical error is understudied but most estimates fall between 5% and 20%. This means that a second opinion could reduce error by 80% to 95%.

"To err is human, yet society demands that medical professionals be faultless." Quality Initiatives: Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Errors Occurring in Clinical Radiology Practice

Will my doctor be upset if I seek a second opinion?

Your doctor shouldn’t be upset; more viewpoints will help you both find the best options for your health. Take charge of your health.


Diagnose.me service

How are the specialists on Diagnose.me selected?

We look for doctors who are focused on a particular area and have achieved a high level of experience and expertise in that area. We look for authorities in their fields and doctors who are well respected. Many of our specialists are heads of their departments, organizations, or leading researchers. We look for great communicators and educators as we feel these skills are crucial (and often overlooked).

What will I receive? How does the report look like?

Have a look for yourself: Consultation Report and Multidisciplinary Consultation Report. In the report, the specialist will provide his or her findings and if possible suggestions on your next steps. The specialist will answer questions related to his or her specialization. Please note that the specialist will generally not describe or mention each study/image separately but will cover all of them in one complex report.

What if the report doesn’t say what I want?

The report will include our specialist’s best professional opinion. Neither we nor the specialist can change the findings of the report to reflect your expectations. In case you are not satisfied with your report we will forward your complaint to our Medical Advisory Board. If the Medical Advisory Board determines that the report did not satisfy our professional standard of quality, we will refund your payment, or if possible, we will provide a new report.

Can I ask follow-up questions?

Yes, you can ask follow-up questions regarding the findings in the report easily from your account. We limit questions to two per case within 14 days of the delivery of the report in order to keep the fees low for everyone. For more in-depth discussion, many of our specialists offer a video consultation.

Will I understand the report?

Yes, our specialists write for patients and we spend a lot of time to ensuring this. The report must be written in everyday language and understandable to people with no medical experience.

Can I talk with the specialist?

Yes, many of our specialists offer a video consultation. It lasts for 15 minutes and needs to be ordered within 14 days of the delivery of the report.

Is your site secure?

Yes. We only ask for information we absolutely need related to your medical condition. We don’t need your name, address, or ID.

Can I delete my account?

Yes, please contact us if you would like to delete your account.

Can I view the medical images myself?

We do not offer an image viewer, however there are plenty of great tools available. The CD/DVD with your scans often includes a viewer. Alternatively, OsiriX Lite (Mac) and RadiAnt (PC) are two tools that we like.

Can I rely solely on the Diagnose.me report to decide the next steps in my treatment?

No, the report is based only on the information you provide and the Diagnose.me specialist will not have the opportunity to examine you personally. The report will focus on answering your questions and educating you on your condition so that you can make better choices about your health.

Can I use the report for legal proceedings?

Our reports are aimed to help the patients on the road to recovery and are not meant for any legal or regulatory proceedings. For this reason, the report will generally not evaluate past procedures, accidents or medical malpractice as the possible cause of medical conditions. We reserve the right to refuse any case where we have the suspicion that the report will be used for these or similar purposes.

Can clients from the USA and Canada use the service?

Unfortunately, clients from USA and Canada may not use our services due to the legal constraints in those countries. You can find more information in our Terms and Conditions of Use


Ordering a report

A relative of mine is sick and needs a second medical opinion, can I order a report from Diagnose.me on behalf of this person?

Yes, you can order a report for yourself as a patient, or on behalf of any of your friends and family.

What information do I need to have with me to order a second opinion from Diagnose.me?

It depends on your situation. We accept any combination of the following:

  • Medical images such as MRI scans, CT scans, PET scans, X-rays, and others
  • Blood work
  • Written medical reports
  • Biopsy and pathology results
Please note that your medical data must not be older than 1 year. We only accept older data as a comparison with a newer set. Also please note that medical data pertaining to different body parts are counted as separate consultations. Every situation is different and you can always contact us with any questions.

How do I send my medical data to my Diagnose.me specialist?

You can upload them online during the ordering process. You can also send it by regular post.

Can I stop in the middle of the order and come back to it later?

Yes.

How much will it cost me to get an online second opinion?

Each specialist chooses his or her own price. It varies from 50 to about 300 euros. You can find more information about our pricing here.

How long does it take to receive a report?

Delivery of the report usually takes 2-5 working days, depending on the specialist. The report processing time starts only after submitting all the required information and documentation and after the agreement's conclusion. All delivery times on the website are indicated in working days and counted from the next day after submitting the necessary documents. If your doctor/helpdesk asks you to provide additional information, the report processing time starts again when you have provided all the necessary information or client data we have requested.

Can I get my second opinion report in any language I want?

We support about 30 languages, with all translations done by a medical professional. Please note that the translation will add 2 business days to the delivery of your report.

My medical reports are not in English. Can you translate them?

Yes, your medical documents will be summarized and translated by a medically qualified person. Please note that this service is necessary for all clients who submit documentation in a language other than English and extends the deadline for the delivery of the report by a maximum of two days. The price list for the service can be found on our website.

Can I send more data or questions to the specialist after I have already submitted the case?

No, unless the specialist specifically requests it.

How do I select a specialist?

The most important consideration is specialization. Doctor’s specialization determines what types of questions he or she is able to answer. The important distinction is between diagnostic and treating specializations. Diagnostic specializations such as radiology and its subspecialties will consider the diagnosis. Treatment specialties such as surgery or neurology will consider the treatment. Unfortunately, the distinction is blurred in many places, but if you are unsure, you can always ask us.


For Businesses

Do you offer services for clinics?

Yes, we offer services to imaging clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Please contact us for more information.

Do you offer services through corporate partners?

Yes, we offer a subscription service to insurance companies, banks, assistance service providers and other companies that provide the services to their clients as a no-cost benefit or for an additional fee (including white label). Please contact us at sales@diagnose.me for more information.