Second Opinion for Your Child
If your child has a complex medical issue or you're facing a difficult treatment decision about their care, getting a second opinion from a leading specialist can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind. A world-class medical center like UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals has the expertise to help.
There are two ways to seek a second opinion from a doctor at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.
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 Benioff Children's Hospitals to discuss your child's 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.
Written opinion from a UCSF expert
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals 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 child's diagnosis, select the right UCSF doctor to review your child's case and help answer any questions you have along the way.
A specialist at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals – selected for expertise that matches your needs – will review your child's medical records, images and history, then provide you with a second opinion in writing.
Please note that UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals 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.
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 Benioff Children's Hospitals 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 Benioff Children's Hospitals | Summus, in partnership with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals |
| Further information | Search our pediatric doctors and services online. If you need live help finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment, call 877-822-4453. | First, please read the UCSF written second opinion FAQs on the Summus website. If you still have questions after that, call 917-730-6460 and select option 0. |
Note: Do not use the second opinion service for medical emergencies or if your child needs immediate treatment guidance. If your child 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 Benioff Children's Hospitals doctor, please visit our Request a Consultation page.