Click the button below, then follow the steps to create an account. A one-time credit card payment of $800 is required. You’ll be asked to provide some information about your health. A one-time credit card payment is required and covers all the services described below. Please note: Duke Remote Second Opinion is not typically covered by health insurance. You may use money from your Health Spending Account (HSA) and/or your Flex Spending Account (FSA) for reimbursement – confirm with your carrier prior to use.
Remote Second Opinions
Get a written second opinion report from a Duke Health specialist in the comfort of your home. Before you get started, please know:
- The cost is $800
- Insurance is not accepted
As one of the top hospitals in the country, our specialists are nationally recognized for their knowledge and expertise in the latest diagnostic and treatment advances. A Duke Health second opinion prepares you to make informed decisions about your care.
We provide written, remote second opinions for nearly every health concern in children and adults, including all types of cancer, organ transplants, heart disease, total joint replacement, and other orthopaedic conditions.
Avoid the hassle and inconvenience of traveling far from home for an expert second opinion. Learn more about our remote second opinion platform and process below.
Consistently Ranked Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.
The Details
Why Seek a Remote Second Opinion?
A second opinion can confirm a diagnosis, offer a different diagnosis, provide information about the most advanced treatments available, and ensure confidence in your decisions when faced with a serious medical condition.
How Duke Health's Remote Second Opinion Works
Duke Health offers written remote second opinions through Summus, a technology platform, and a dedicated team of Summus Partners and Summus Clinicians who will also help guide you through the remote second opinion process. After registering and submitting your information through our secure, confidential platform, a Summus Partner will identify and coordinate your written second opinion with a Duke Health doctor who specializes in your medical concern. The Duke Health doctor will carefully review your medical records, test results, and health history.
You will receive a written, comprehensive report within 10 to 14 business days of sending all the necessary medical records. Please note the remote second opinion process generally takes 10 to 14 business days; however, variations in timelines may occur based on department capacity and specialty.
If your request is urgent, kindly inform your Summus Partner, and they will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Please be mindful that if you anticipate needing the opinion before an upcoming treatment or procedure, we may not be able to guarantee timely delivery.
- View sample Duke Health remote second opinion written report (PDF, 392 KB).
- Read frequently asked questions about the remote second opinion process.
Cost and Availability
The cost for a Duke Health remote second opinion report is $800 and is typically not covered by insurance. It is available to people living in all U.S. states except Tennessee and Michigan.
If You Live in North Carolina
We encourage you to come to one of our clinics for an in-person visit with our specialists. Use our Find a Doctor tool to find the right specialist for your needs.
How to Get Started
Getting started with your remote second opinion is simple. Here is a rundown of the steps you'll take to start the process and receive your comprehensive treatment and care plan.
Step 1 - Create an Account and Request an Opinion
Step 2 - Meet with a Summus Partner and Summus Clinician
The Summus team will help gather the requesting documentation from your treating physician as well as your medical records. They can also answer any questions you might have throughout the process.
Step 3 - Receive Your Written Second Opinion
You will receive a comprehensive written opinion from a Duke Health specialist within 10-to-14 business days of receiving all the necessary records. It will include a recommended treatment and care plan.
Step 4 - Receive Your Written Second Opinion
If you have a clarifying question about an expert's response to one of the questions in your second opinion, we will contact the Duke expert to request additional clarification. You may ask a maximum of two clarifying questions within five business days of when the completed second opinion was made available to you. You may not introduce any new questions or new information. Please note that we cannot guarantee that the expert will be available to answer your follow-up question(s).
View sample Duke Health remote second opinion written report (PDF, 392 KB).