Cedars-Sinai announced on Mar. 9 the expansion of its Virtual Second Opinion program, now available to residents in 39 states, offering patients across the United States access to expert medical insights for more than 600 health conditions from their homes.
The expansion addresses a growing need for accessible specialist care as many regions face shortages and more people seek reliable information when making healthcare decisions. The program aims to provide fast, convenient, and high-quality second opinions for those looking to confirm diagnoses or explore treatment options.
“People feel more comfortable asking for a virtual second opinion when they know the process will be fast, convenient, and of high quality,” said Shoma Desai, MD, executive director of Digital Innovation at Cedars-Sinai. “A virtual second opinion from a national center of excellence like Cedars-Sinai gives participants confidence and empowers them to make decisions about their treatment.”
One participant, Gregory Rothaus from Nevada, described how the service provided clarity after his local physician suggested he “probably” had ulcerative colitis. “I didn’t want ‘probably,’” Rothaus said. “I wanted certainty.” After using the Virtual Second Opinion program and undergoing additional tests recommended by Cedars-Sinai specialists, Rothaus received a more accurate diagnosis—Crohn’s colitis—and his condition is now in remission. “It’s about having the security that you’re on the right treatment path,” Rothaus said. “I’m the CEO of my health.”
The program involves over 150 Cedars-Sinai specialists who review patient records and prepare detailed written reports within five days after record collection is complete. Participants can also opt for a virtual education session with their specialist. Recent surveys show that satisfaction with the service is high at 94%, with convenience and speed cited as key benefits.
National surveys indicate that one-quarter to one-third of U.S. cancer patients seek a second opinion but often hesitate due to concerns about delays or geographic barriers. The virtual format helps address these challenges by quickly connecting patients with appropriate specialists.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles, California and was founded in 1902. Its current president is Thomas M. Priselac. The hospital has a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital; according to their 2022 annual report, it admitted over 50,000 patients during that year.
There is a one-time fee for accessing the Virtual Second Opinion service at Cedars-Sinai; while not covered by insurance, most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) may reimburse this cost.
