Online Second Opinions
When your child receives a complex diagnosis and you are facing treatment decisions, the journey ahead can seem overwhelming. Cincinnati Children’s understands and wants to help. An online second opinion from one of our nationally renowned specialists can help you make informed, confident decisions about your child’s care. And it’s all available from the convenience of home.
The online second opinion may provide new insights about your child’s diagnosis or suggest new treatment options. Or, our recommendations may be the same as your local care team’s, which can provide peace of mind as you move forward.
We offer online second opinions for patients and families inside the United States who live beyond the Greater Cincinnati area (southeast Ohio, southwest Indiana and northern Kentucky). The process is easy and convenient, and a case manager will guide you every step of the way.
Expert Medical Help When It Matters Most
Second opinions are common in healthcare, especially for complex or rare conditions. Medical providers understand this and typically welcome opinions from other experts. That’s why we share your online second opinion report with your local physician. Our specialists want the best for you and your child, and we know your local care team does, too.
A second opinion may be helpful when:
- You or your child has received an unclear diagnosis.
- You or your child have questions or concerns about a diagnosis.
- There’s been a change in diagnosis or the treatment your local care team is recommending.
- You or your child is not improving with the current care plan.
- You have questions or concerns about a treatment recommendation.
Online second opinions and telehealth video visits are not the same. A telehealth appointment is like any other in-person visit, just over a secure video call. Online second opinions don’t need to include a video or phone call because our physician reviews your existing medical records and focuses on the questions you already gave us. Then, you receive a written report detailing our physician’s opinion about that medical condition, diagnosis or treatment plan.
The Online Second Opinion Program is for requests that are not urgent. If you need help with an urgent or life-threatening situation, please call 911 or seek local medical care.
The service can only be requested by someone able to provide legal consent for the child such as an adoptive or natural parent, a personal representative, a person who is in loco parentis, or a person who has been appointed by a court or recognized by a court for children under 18 or those over 18 who do not have legal authority to consent on their own behalf.
