What services does 2nd.MD provide?

Medical Certainty Navigation: Work with a highly skilled, experienced nurse who can help you understand your medical diagnosis, review important questions to ask your doctor and help you navigate the healthcare system.

Second Opinion Consultation: Virtually connect with a top doctor who specializes in your specific condition. They will review your medical records and have a detailed conversation with you so you can gain confidence in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Personalized Local Support: When you need assistance finding a local doctor or specialist to assist in your care, our Personalized Local Support team is here to ensure you get the in-network treatment and ongoing care you deserve.

Do these services cost anything?

These services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST to you and your family members enrolled in the following UnitedHealth Group or OptumCare medical plans.* Eligible UnitedHealth Group medical plans include: HSA-eligible plans, Accountable Care Plan, Charter Copay Plan, Choice Transition Plan, Hawaii PPO Plan, M Health Fairview Primary Care Plan, Surest Flex Copay Plan, WellMed 1st Tier Plan, and WI Primary Care Plan. Eligible OptumCare medical plans include: the Accountable Care Plan, Doctors Plan, HSA Plan, OptumCare EPO Plan, OptumCare NE Plan and Surest Flex Copay Plan.
Do my family members have access to 2nd.MD?

Yes, as long as they are enrolled in one of the eligible plans listed above, your dependents are eligible for 2nd.MD services. Family members not enrolled in the plan do not have access to 2nd.MD services at zero cost.
When would I use 2nd.MD?

Whether you’re faced with a new or existing diagnosis, upcoming surgery, or healthcare decision and want to learn more about your treatment options, 2nd.MD connects you with experts who can help.
What type of doctors does 2nd.MD use?

2nd.MD connects you with board-certified specialists from top medical institutions. These specialists are leaders in their fields of practice. Many own their own practices and have won prestigious awards.
What types of conditions do they cover?

2nd.MD consults across hundreds of subspecialties and thousands of conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, heart disease and stroke, digestive disorders, immunological diseases, genetic conditions, and mental health concerns. 2nd.MD only works with medical experts who are industry leaders within their field.
What qualifies a specialist for 2nd.MD/Expert MD's panel?

We look for specialists with a specific narrow focus in their subspecialty, research, and practice. As an example, we do not look to add general orthopedic surgeons who could work on any area of the body.

Example: We look for Orthopedic surgeons whose sole focus is on hands

Example: A dermatologist who just focuses on skin cancer

Example: A surgeon who just focuses on wound care for infectious diseases.

High level dedication to their narrow scope means they are the specialists who are the most up to date on certain conditions and are aware of the newest advancements in treatment protocols. They are often leading the research in their fields, pioneers in new treatment modalities and surgical techniques, and professors at top institutions.

Example: The orthopedic surgeon who championed the research and development of shoulder resurfacing

Example: Neurologist who is involved in research and clinical trials for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy Specialist Criteria & Scoring Categories

Our specialists are placed through our proprietary algorithm of which we look at several key categories to ensure we’re looking at the top tier experts to join 2nd.MD’s panel. Specialists are scored by reviewing the following criteria: Years of experience (specialty, subspecialty, to their specific narrow area of current clinical focus) Past & Current involvement in research, clinical trials, which includes their contributions as writers/editors to various publications, peer reviewed journals, etc. Past & Current training at top institutions for medical school, residency, fellowships, and current place of practice Awards and Recognition for their work (pioneers in new treatment or procedures) Numbers of board certifications Academic Faculty appointments are also reviewed, as well.

We review sanctions and perform deep dive reviews as it relates to previous patient experiences and overall satisfaction at the time of onboarding and on a yearly basis.
How does the 2nd.MD Care Team determine which specialist is right for the member?

The 2nd.MD Care Team includes highly skilled nurses who are experienced in the same condition(s) of the member’s case in order to tee the case up for the specialist.

Our nursing teams are broken down into musculoskeletal, oncology, pediatric, medical/surgical, women’s health, cardiology, neurology, or behavioral health concerns. Their average years of experience in specialty are 10 years. Additionally, 25% of our specialty care nurses have advanced certifications. Our nurses utilize their clinical expertise partnered with the advanced search of our panel to narrow the clinical focus while keeping the member's goal of the virtual consultation top of mind.

With these three components, we're able to make sound recommendations to our members as to who will weigh in on their virtual educational consultation. Members have a choice in the recommended specialist. Oftentimes the recommended specialist by the nurse is agreed upon by the member the first time. While matching the nurses to the skillset of the specialists holds value, it’s also incredibly valuable to match the skill to the member’s specific needs, which provides an advocate to achieve the clarification the member is looking for as they set forth to pursue next steps in their treatment plan after meeting with our Specialist.
How does it work?

Three simple steps to medical certainty:

1. Activate your account and request support: Visit www.2nd.MD/uhg, download our app or call 1.866.269.3534 to activate your account

2. Speak with a nurse: Just explain your medical issues, and an experienced nurse will handle the rest, including collecting medical records and connecting you with a leading specialist who is an expert in your condition.

3. Consult with a Specialist: Get information about your diagnosis, treatment plan and next steps in care from a top specialist. Consult via video or phone at a time that works best for you, including evenings and weekends!
How do I learn more about 2nd.MD?

You can call and speak with a nurse at any time at 1.866.269.3534 or visit www.2nd.MD/uhg or 2nd.MD/optumcare to learn more.

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CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE HAVING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

2nd.MD is not an emergency service. 2nd.MD is an independent resource to support you in receiving information from Expert Medical Specialists. 2nd.MD does not practice medicine or provide patient care and is independent from the Specialists providing the expert medical consultations.

*The benefits discussed in this communication are governed by legal plan documents. If there is a discrepancy between this communication and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.

For UnitedHealth Group employees: If you have questions about your benefits or other health needs, contact Health Care Advisor at 800-357-1371.

For OptumCare employees (except for the Surest Flex Copay Plan): If you have questions about your benefits or other health needs, contact Benefits Advocate at 1-844-585-1466.

For OptumCare employees enrolled in the Surest Flex Copay Plan: If you have questions about your benefits or other health needs, contact Member Help at 1-866-683-6440.

The information provided through 2nd.MD does not constitute medical advice and does not diagnose, treat or prescribe treatment of medical conditions. All information provided in connection with 2nd.MD is for informational purposes only and does not create a physician-patient treatment relationship. Information provided through 2nd.MD does not substitute medical diagnosis or treatment from your treating physician, and you should discuss the information provided with your treating physician before making any decisions. The 2nd.MD service is subject to change. Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

What services does 2nd.MD provide?

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