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CIGNA HealthCare to Offer Expert Online Second Medical Opinion Services Through E-Cleveland Clinic
Business Wire
May 15, 2008
A second opinion from a trusted source can be a good idea, especially when faced with a life-threatening or life-altering medical condition. Beginning this summer, CIGNA will offer the employees and dependents of a select group of its employer clients access to online second medical opinions from physician specialists, from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic’s MyConsult service. During a multi-year trial, members will be able to use MyConsult to ask about any of 700 serious conditions via a secure online connection.
“A second opinion can be very helpful to someone diagnosed with a serious condition. The opinion can reinforce the decisions made by the person and his or her physicians, or it can encourage the individual to investigate additional options,” said Dr. David Ferriss, CIGNA HealthCare national medical director for clinical program development. “CIGNA is committed to helping members get as much reliable information as possible so they can make the most informed decisions about their health. We’re proud to join with the Cleveland Clinic to offer this informative, online service.”
Cleveland Clinic’s MyConsult offers secure online consultations, and telephone and email nursing support to answer patients’ questions and offer assistance in understanding the consultation. After a member initiates the review and answers a secure, online, condition-specific questionnaire, the member sends his or her medical records either electronically or by mail to Cleveland Clinic’s MyConsult service.
A Cleveland Clinic specialist in the appropriate clinical field thoroughly reviews each inquiring member’s medical history and tests before rendering an expert second opinion. The second medical opinion report is then made available online and is also mailed directly to the member within seven to 10 business days. Each confidential, unbiased second opinion is sent directly to the patient for complete privacy and autonomy. Members in the trial have full online access to their second opinions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A nurse coordinator then follows up with the person to ensure that the information is understood and to make sure all questions are answered. Upon request and with patient consent, a copy of the opinion is sent to the patient’s primary care provider and specialists.
“Cleveland Clinic is happy to offer this service to eligible CIGNA members,” said Jonathan Schaffer, M.D., Managing Director, eCleveland Clinic. “MyConsult is a natural extension of Cleveland Clinic’s eCleveland Clinic product family, designed to help put patients first. This service is particularly beneficial for those looking to confirm a diagnosis or find alternative treatment, without having to leave the comfort of your home.”
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