Second Opinion
If you're facing a complex medical issue or difficult treatment decision, getting a second opinion from a leading specialist can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind. A world-class medical center like UCSF Health has the expertise to help.
There are two ways to seek a second opinion from a doctor at UCSF Health:
- Appointment with a UCSF expert. Schedule a doctor visit. The visit takes place in person or, in certain circumstances, can be done via telehealth. Learn more about appointments
- Written opinion from a UCSF expert. Submit your medical records and receive a written second opinion. This is done remotely and for a flat fee. Learn more about written opinions
Appointment with a UCSF expert
Whether or not you already have a diagnosis and recommended course of treatment, you’re welcome to make an appointment with a doctor at UCSF Health to discuss your case and explore your options.
In some cases, if preferred and if eligible, the appointment may be done via telehealth. Otherwise, all appointments take place in person in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Find a doctor online or call 888-689-8273.
Written opinion from a UCSF expert
UCSF Health has partnered with Summus to provide a written second opinion service. A dedicated team from Summus will guide you through the second opinion process, help collect medical records relevant to your diagnosis, select the right UCSF Health doctor to review your case and help answer any questions you have along the way.
A specialist at UCSF Health – selected for expertise that matches your needs – will review your medical records, images and history, then provide you with a second opinion in writing.
Please note that UCSF Health does not currently offer written second opinions in *all* specialty and subspecialty areas. Be as specific as possible about the expertise you're seeking when speaking with the Summus analyst who will assist with your case. (You can learn more about which specialties are not currently covered by the program in the Summus FAQs, question #3.)
The time required to deliver a second opinion varies, but once all medical records are assembled, the UCSF expert’s written opinion is typically provided in about seven to 10 days.
A remote second opinion from UCSF Health costs $900.
For additional details, see the UCSF written second opinion FAQs on the Summus website.
Comparison chart: Appointment vs. written opinion
| Appointment | Written opinion | |
| Speak with doctor | Yes | No |
| Offered remotely | In some cases | Yes, 100% remote |
| Payment | Through insurance or out-of-pocket | Out-of-pocket flat fee |
| Facilitation | UCSF Health | Summus, in partnership with UCSF Health |
| Further information | Search our UCSF doctors and UCSF clinics online. If you need live help finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment, call (888) 689-8273. | First, please read the UCSF written second opinion FAQs on the Summus website. If you still have questions after that, call (917) 565-8540 and select option 5. |
Note: Do not use the second opinion service for medical emergencies or if you need immediate treatment guidance. If you may be having a medical emergency, please call your local emergency service number (911 in the United States) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Second opinions for medical professionals
If you’re a physician looking for a second opinion from a UCSF doctor, please visit our Request a Consultation page.