Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Second Opinion (Medical) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person Second Opinion (specialist) | $200 – $600 | $30 – $100 |
| Virtual Second Opinion (remote) | $200 – $500 | $25 – $75 |
| Academic Medical Center Second Opinion | $300 – $800 | $50 – $150 |
| Pathology Second Opinion (review slides) | $200 – $500 | $50 – $150 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 99245
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Most plans cover second opinions; many plans encourage them for major diagnoses
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most insurance plans cover second opinions from in-network specialists with a standard specialist copay. Many plans actually encourage second opinions for cancer, surgery, and other major diagnoses. Some plans mandate them for certain procedures.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to another specialist. You can also self-refer (with PPO plans). Request that your medical records, test results, and imaging be sent to the new doctor before your appointment.
After any cancer diagnosis, before major surgery, when treatment is not working, if a diagnosis seems unclear, when facing risky or irreversible procedures, or if you feel uncertain about your doctor's recommendation.