Second Opinions

What is a second opinion?

A second opinion is a consultation with a recognized, approve specialist who will:

  • Review your medical records (exams, imaging, testing, etc.)
  • Discuss your options, including the risks and benefits of each
  • Recommend next steps for your treatment plan

At Yale Health, we believe it is crucial for our patients to be well-informed about their diagnosis and treatment options to meet their individual needs and preferences.

What does Yale Health pay for with a second opinion?

Yale Health pays for:

  • One consultation with the specialist when referred by a Yale Health network clinician.
  • One follow-up visit, if recommended by the specialist.
  • Lab tests ordered by the specialist, performed at the Yale Health Quest Diagnostics Lab or any other Quest Diagnostics Lab in New England only.
  • Imaging tests (MRI, CT scan, X-rays, etc.) ordered by the specialist, at the Yale Health Diagnostic Imaging Department only.

Note: Any additional services must be authorized ahead of time by Yale Health Referrals. Unauthorized services will need to be paid for by the patient..

Yale Health will not pay for:

  • Ongoing care from the specialist; your care and treatment will occur at Yale Health.
  • Travel costs to and from the specialist’s office.

What to Expect When Requesting a Second Opinion

  • Referral Process: Your clinician will place the order for the referral.
  • The Yale Health Referrals Department will review and process your referral, and you will receive a referral letter via the mail with instructions. Your referrals can also be viewed in My Chart.

After Your Second Opinion:

  • Discuss any new recommendations with the clinician who referred you for the second opinion, and decide on your treatment plan.
  • Your on-going care and treatment will continue with the referring clinician here.
  • If you would like help with this process please contact  Yale Health Care Management.

Prior to your second opinion appointment:

  • Call the specialist to confirm they received the authorization/approval from Yale Health.
  • Confirm with the specialist’s office what is needed for your appointment, such as:
    • Recent medical records (contact our Medical Records team if needed.)
    • Test results
    • X-ray results
    • Pathology slides
  • Complete any required lab work at Yale Health or any Quest Diagnostics lab in New England only.
  • Complete any required imaging tests at Yale Health only.

On the day of your second opinion appointment:

  • Bring a copy of your Yale Health Member ID.
  • Bring a copy of your second opinion referral letter.
  • Let your specialist know that any labs or imaging must be performed at Yale Health Center.

After your second opinion appointment:

  • Confirm additional tests were released to MyChart or call your Primary Care department or referring specialist’s office. Test results are typically available within 5-7 business days.
  • Schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider or referring specialist to review recommendations from the second opinion consultation.
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