Second Opinion Consults

Patient and doctor virtual meeting via tablet

Accessing UCLA’s renowned physician expertise has never been easier — for patients and physicians.

UCLA Health’s virtual second opinion services help us serve more patients, in new and more flexible ways.

A virtual second opinion consult can provide expert insight into your treatment options before you commit to traveling to UCLA Health. Our physician-to-physician second opinion reviews are designed to support or supplement referring physicians’ treatment recommendations.

Find Your Care

Get an expert take on your medical situation. Our doctors use secure video-conferencing technology to virtually meet with patients from other parts of the world.

Have a complex health concern? Take the first step to become a patient.

Patient doctor video visit

Patients: How to Get a Second Opinion

 

Get an expert take on your medical situation. Our doctors use secure video-conferencing technology to virtually meet with patients from outside of Southern California and other parts of the world. Have a complex health concern? Take the first step to request your second opinion.

  • What happens during a second opinion consult: A virtual second opinion consult allows a member of our team to discuss the specifics of your care one-on-one. The doctor conducting your second opinion will go over your symptoms and medical history, to carefully evaluate your symptoms. They will also explain the treatment options most likely to benefit you. Pending your state or countries legal requirements, a locally treating physician may need to be present. 
  • How we use telemedicine to improve your care: If you are considering coming to UCLA Health for medical care, your treatment can often begin with a second opinion consult from your home, where you are most comfortable. We may also use video-conferencing to monitor your long-term care, when you return home after treatment.
  • Current Specialties available for virtual second opinions include: Cancer Services, Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Organ Transplant, Orthopaedics, and Urology/Urogynocology.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

UCLA Health is known for providing world-class health care. Our physicians are global leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of countless medical conditions, and our hospitals have consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. For decades, our expert team has cared for thousands of people — in Los Angeles and throughout the world — using the latest medical advances and technologies.

Lady and doctor meeting on laptop

Where We Most Excel: Our Medical Specialties

At UCLA Health, we strive to reach new levels of medical excellence. Our doctors and scientists pioneer work across an astounding range of disciplines — from organ transplantation and cardiac surgery to neurosurgery and cancer treatment. We aim to offer the latest medical advances to every patient who walks through our doors.

Learn more about our areas of clinical expertise:

Cardiology icon

Cardiology

Cancer services icon

Cancer Services

Orthopaedics icon

Orthopaedics

Neurosurgery icon

Neurosurgery

Organ transplant icon

Organ Transplant

Urogynecology Icon

Urogynecology

Other Expertise

In addition to the six specialties highlighted, UCLA Health physicians can provide a second opinion in virtually every medical specialty. Specialties include endocrinology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, otolaryngology, urology, and many others.

UCLA Health: Why Choose Us for Your Second Opinion?

Hyperbaric Expert Team

Renowned Medical Expertise

UCLA is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the best medical center in the western United States and one of the top hospitals in the U.S. These recognitions illustrate the outstanding care we offer to people with a wide range of health concerns.

Superdoctors Southern California 2017

Seasoned Doctors

More than 200 UCLA physicians are listed among the Super Doctors in America. Many of them are leaders in their fields and have extensive experience caring for people from many countries and cultures.

Advanced Imaging equipment

Advanced Treatment Options

Our team has a long track record of success in caring for complex conditions. We have access to many of the latest medical advances and technologies that help us treat a wide range of acute and chronic health issues. Our doctors and scientists are leading biomedical research that explores new ways to fight disease.

Front of ICU Building

Broad Scope of Care

You can expect exceptional quality from our diagnostic and treatment services. With four hospitals and more than 250 community offices and outpatient clinics, UCLA Health can care for complex conditions, such as rare cancers and brain tumors. Our transplant surgeons save and improve hundreds of lives each year.

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Focus on the Future of Medicine

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is one of the premier research and educational institutions in the U.S. Our research scientists participate in promising clinical trials and contribute to notable medical advances that improve patient care while molding the next generation of doctors.

FAQ

How long will it take to get an appointment?

We offer access to second opinion consults from world-class physicians. These physicians are at the top of their field, which means that they do spend the majority of their time actively caring for patients at UCLA Health hospitals. We aim to schedule within 1-2 weeks once all necessary records are received. While availability can vary by physician, our team will do its best to get our physician expert’s eyes and ears on your case as soon as possible.

How do I get my records & scans to you?

Our Patient Navigation team will provide you with secure links to upload any medical reports/imaging.

Please Note: If you have access to “Mychart” app, your outside hospital records may be able to link with UCLA. Please go to Mychart app, and link your local hospital with UCLA so we can share records. Medical records can be viewed, but not imaging scans (MRI, CT, etc).