Virtual second opinions frequently asked questions

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.

Costs for virtual second opinions at Penn Medicine may vary and can depend on several factors. When you submit a request for a virtual second opinion, a Penn Signature Services team member will discuss costs with you.

Penn Medicine is proud to partner with MOREHealth,a global digital health technology company, to provide virtual second opinions. Our doctors’ expertise, combined with MOREHealth’s 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 or submit our secure form. 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.

You can tell your doctor that you are seeking a second opinion because you want to more confidence in your healthcare decisions.

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 securely delivered to the MOREHealth
• patient portal 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.

Yes. We can deliver reports in more than 175 languages.

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. Please note: The cost of your online second opinion cannot be applied to the bill for an in-person visit.

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

Penn Medicine and MOREHealth protect the privacy and security of our patients.

Penn Medicine’s and MOREHealth’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.