Consultative Medicine
Team-Based Diagnostic Second Opinion
The experienced team members in our Consultative Care Clinic are dedicated to helping you and your doctor understand unexplained symptoms and mystery medical conditions. Our goal is to help you pursue an accurate diagnosis so you can plan the most effective treatment possible.
What We Offer You for Consultative Care
- Specialized expertise evaluating rare, undiagnosed, or complex conditions.
- Comprehensive support from the Stanford Health Care Library and other resources to help you and your doctor understand and diagnose your condition.
- Team-based review of your case and consultation with your primary care doctor by our Consultative Medicine team members and, as needed, expert colleagues throughout Stanford Health Care. Go to Your Care Team
- Ease of access with a referral from your doctor. Go to Accessing Care
Your Consultative Care Team
Internal Medicine Doctor
Our internal medicine doctors are trained to provide complete care for those with undiagnosed symptoms or health concerns. This includes treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, disease prevention, patient education, and counseling.
View All {0} Internal Medicine Doctors »Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach the entire spectrum of medical education. Students range from beginning medical students to fully licensed and practicing doctors completing advanced sub-specialty training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with specific conditions
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
- Medical Student: a student who is currently enrolled in medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor
It’s easy to access the Consultative Medicine program with a referral from your doctor. It is important that you are under the active care of a doctor with whom you can follow up during and after our time-limited consultation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care »
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services »
We offer a number of support services, including support groups, interpreter services, nutrition services, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
Our clinic is a consulting service that focuses on investigating diagnoses in partnership with your primary care provider and specialists.
Full intake and in-depth records review may take a couple of visits depending on the complexity of your case. Please make sure all outside records and tests are sent to us prior to your visit.
We take a team-based approach to each evaluation, including active case discussions with multiple doctors and the use of technology tools to aid in the diagnostic process.
We do not assume the role of a primary care doctor, so it is important that you actively follow up with your regular care team during and after our evaluation is complete.
We provide an in-depth evaluation for a limited time period only, with the number of total visits depending on the complexity of the case. We do not have the capacity to follow patients long-term at this time.
You will need to have the following items with you when you check in:
- Insurance card
- A form of payment for any co-pays or deductibles
- One form of photo ID:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. military ID card
- Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there isn’t enough time to have all your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your other questions answered.
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Online:
- You can pay your bill in MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app, our secure health information tool for patients
- You can also pay as a guest without creating a login.
- By mail:
- Stanford Health Care Hospital Payment Processing P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- By calling a Customer Service Representative at 1-800-549-3720, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
Patient billing services at Stanford Health Care are provided by the billing office. To inquire about a bill that you received, please contact customer service:
Stanford Hospital Billing
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1-800-549-3720
We offer a number of support services, including support groups, interpreter services, nutrition services, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services.
Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordhealthcare.org to get started.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referring Physicians.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
For Patients:
You will need a referal for an an appointment with Consultative Medicine. Ask your doctor for a referal and we will assist you.
For Doctors:
To refer your patient, call us at 650-498-9000.
