Virtual second opinion for thoracic surgery at Rush allows you to get an expert second opinion without an in-person visit. A virtual second opinion consists of a one-on-one, two-way video consultation with a surgeon, contact with our care team and a written report.
To start your virtual second opinion call, (312) 942-6642.
How Does Virtual Second Opinion Work?
You can start your virtual second opinion from home at any time. To get started, take the following steps:
- Call us at (312) 942-6642 to start your virtual second opinion. A member of our team will begin your record collection process and send you an activation code for MyChart.
- Activate your MyChart account and complete the questionnaire. We’ll get you on an initial call with our care team within 72 hours. Your care team will review your eligibility and schedule a video visit.
- When it's time or your appointment, check in for your video visit and make your payment. Virtual second opinions will be billed to your insurance.
- Meet with a Rush thoracic surgeon over two-way video chat. They'll discuss your case with you, and then they'll walk you through your care options and their recommendations. At the end of the visit, they'll send you a written report for your records.
The virtual care second opinion process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on when we receive your records. Our care team will connect with you right away and if your records are available electronically, your virtual second opinion may be complete in as little as three days.
If you choose to come to Rush after your video consultation, we’ll help you navigate your care.
To start your virtual second opinion call, (312) 942-6642.
Why Get a Second Opinion?
A second opinion can help you confirm your diagnosis and fully explore potential treatment options. Talking to another specialist helps empower you to make decisions about your care based on fully understanding all of your options.
Seeking a second opinion can also help you find the right experts for your condition. For example, studies have shown that the more experience doctors have treating a specific condition, the more successfully they can treat it.
Why Choose Rush for a Virtual Second Opinion?
Leaders in VATS: When it comes to thoracic surgery, quality and experience matter.
Performing more than 1,000 lung surgeries each year, thoracic surgeons at Rush have performed more video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomies than any other hospital in Illinois. Patients who undergo VATS surgeries have shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
The thoracic surgery program at Rush is one of the leading programs in the United States. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has designated Rush as a three-star program for lobectomy (the most common surgery for lung cancer) for four years in a row. This is the society’s highest ranking, given only to the top 5% of thoracic surgery programs in the country.
For more information about our surgeons, program credentials, minimally invasive methods and patient testimonials, please read more on our thoracic surgery home page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Second Opinion
When should I get a second opinion?
Who is eligible for virtual second opinion?
What is the cost of a virtual second opinion?
What is included in a virtual second opinion?
How long does the virtual second opinion process take?
What if I would rather visit Rush for an in-person appointment?
Is my medical and payment information secure?
Who will perform my virtual second opinion?
When should I get a second opinion?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious condition requiring surgery, you may want to get a second opinion from another doctor before you begin treatment. A second opinion can help you confirm your diagnosis and fully explore potential treatment options. Getting a second opinion early in the consideration process can help you keep as many treatment options open as possible. Some health plans actually require a second opinion, especially when a doctor recommends surgery or an experimental therapy.
Who is eligible for a virtual second opinion?
Virtual second opinions for thoracic surgery at Rush are currently only available to Illinois residents. Any Illinois resident who has received a lung cancer diagnosis or a recommendation from a provider for thoracic surgery is eligible.
What is the cost of a virtual second opinion?
Virtual care second opinions for thoracic surgery at Rush will be billed to your insurance. A co-pay may apply.
What is included in a virtual second opinion?
When you pay for a virtual second opinion service at Rush you’ll receive the following:
- A full case review by one of our expert thoracic surgeons
- A written report describing the surgeon’s opinion on your case
- A one-on-one video visit consultation with the surgeon
If you choose to come to Rush after your video consultation, we’ll also help you navigate your care.
How long does the virtual second opinion process take?
The virtual care second opinion process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on when we receive your records. If your records are available electronically, your virtual second opinion may be complete in as little as three days.
What if I would rather visit Rush for an in-person appointment?
We offer virtual second opinions as a convenient option for patients who don’t prefer or are unable to travel long distances for a consultation with a Rush surgeon. If you are able to travel and would prefer to schedule an in-person visit, please call us at (312) 942-6642.
Is my medical and payment information secure?
We take great care to ensure your health information is kept private and secure. Access to information is controlled through secure activation codes, personal usernames and passwords. You control your own password, and your account cannot be accessed without that password. Unlike conventional email, all MyChart messaging is done while you are securely logged on. We also take great care with any physical records you may send in as part of your opinion.
Who will perform my virtual second opinion?
Virtual second opinions are performed completely by thoracic surgery providers at Rush, never by a third party.
Our thoracic surgeons are national and international leaders in diagnosing and treating lung cancer and lung-related disorders. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has awarded the lung cancer surgery program at Rush three stars — the highest rating possible — for lobectomy, the most common operation performed to remove lung cancers every year since 2015. Your second opinion will be completed by the same Rush team that performs in-person thoracic surgery second opinions and surgeries.
