In the past, I’ve blogged about how online services let patients seek a second opinion from home. Now, CNN Medical Correspondent, Elizabeth Cohen, has written a nice article on obtaining a second opinion online. An online second opinion has the potential of eliminating the hassle and expense of out-of-town travel. But, before seeking one, think carefully about cost and questions for the doctors before you click your mouse. Remember, second opinions will likely not give you all the answers

More Information:

USA Today reports that online second-opinion services offer patients consultations from specialists based on the medical records that they fax, mail or send via the Internet. 

The average cost, payable upfront via credit card, is $500 to $1,500, depending on the number of radiology or pathology interpretations required. Patients then receive online access to a second opinion in about two weeks.

The three main leaders in remote second-opinion services — the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine and POSC — each say they are serving about 1,000 patients a year.