Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion?

• A Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion is a remote, written review of your existing diagnosis by a Stanford Medicine specialist. 
• There are no phone or video visits, and no travel to our hospital or clinic is required. 
• We are working with two vendors, Navya (Oncology and Hematology) and Summus (all other specialties we provide online second opinion for), who will guide you through the entire process.

What is the affiliation between Summus and Stanford Medicine? And what is the affiliation between Navya and Stanford Medicine?

• We have contracted with two vendors -- Navya (Oncology and Hematology) and Summus (all other specialties we provide online second opinion for) to offer online second opinions from Stanford Medicine specialists. Once your account is created and medical records are uploaded, a case coordinator from either Navya or Summus will contact you and guide you through the entire process. 

How does the process work?

All steps are completed remotely. 

1. Create your account and upload your medical records. 
2. Complete a short intake call with our vendor. 
3. Medical record uploads:
   • Domestic/US: Our vendor can gather records if needed. 
   • International: Self upload required.  
4. Non-English records:
   • Translation services may be available (additional fees will apply). Notify your vendor care team and they will help coordinate the translation services. 
5. Curate a maximum of 5 questions to ask our Stanford Medicine specialist (additional questions cannot be added once your case is underway).
6. A Stanford Medicine specialist reviews your case.
7. You receive a detailed written report with expert insights and recommendations.

Who is eligible?

• Online Second Opinions are not available for: 
  • Patients who are hospitalized or in the ICU 
  • Patients receiving hospice or palliative care 
  • Medical emergencies 
  • Legal, insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, or malpractice disputes 
  • Patients located in:
            U.S. - Maine
            International - Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, North Korea, Qatar, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, or Yemen

Which specialties are available?

1. Cardiovascular Health 
2. Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) 
3. Gynecology 
4. Hematology
5. Neurology 
6. Neurosurgery 
7. Oncology
8. Ophthalmology 
9. Orthopaedics 
10. Transplant (heart, liver, lung, kidney) 

If your specialty is not listed, it is not eligible for an Online Second Opinion. 

How long does it take?

• Once all medical records are received, your written report is typically delivered within 7–10 days. 
• Record collection may take longer for international patients.

Do I need to send my medical records?

• Yes. Medical records are required. 
  • Uploading your own records is the fastest option. 
  • Our vendor can collect records from U.S. providers. 
  • Records from outside the U.S. must be uploaded by you. 

Non-English records:

• Translation services are available for an additional fee. 
• Notify your case coordinator if you need translation support. 
• You may also use your own professional translation service. 

What is the cost, and does insurance cover it?

• The fee is USD $975, which includes full care coordination and the written specialist report. 
  • Most insurance plans do not cover online second opinions. 
  • Stanford Health Care cannot submit claims or provide CPT codes. 
  • No discounts or fee waivers are available. 
  • The fee may be Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligible. Please confirm coverage with your HSA or FSA plan administrators.

How is the specialist selected?

• After reviewing your case, our vendor matches you with the most appropriate Stanford Medicine specialist for your condition. 
• You may request a specific provider, but availability is not guaranteed. 

Who do I contact for technical issues?

For login problems, record upload issues, or vendor platform errors:

• For issues with the Summus platform (Summusglobal.com/StanfordSecondOpinion), contact Stanford-support@summusglobal.com or +1-917-565-8540.
• For issues with the Navya platform (stanfordosop.navya.care), contact Navya support stanford@navya.care or +1-650-720-5003.

Can I cancel or request a refund?

• Refunds are available before the intake call. 
• After the intake call, refunds are not available. 
• If Stanford Medicine cannot complete your review, you will receive a full refund. 

To cancel, contact your assigned vendor care team. 

Can I authorize a family member to speak on my behalf?

• Yes. You may designate an authorized representative during your intake call or by contacting your assigned vendor care team. 

What if I have follow‑up questions after reviewing my second opinion?

• If you have a clarifying question about something the expert wrote, our vendor can request clarification from the expert.
• Please note: Follow‑up questions must be submitted within five business days of receiving your completed second opinion.
• You may ask up to three clarifying questions. No new questions can be introduced.
• We cannot guarantee the expert’s availability to respond.
• If needed, our vendor can help arrange an in-person visit appointment.

Can I transition to in-person care after my written report?

• Yes. If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment at Stanford Medicine, please alert your assigned vendor care team. 

What if I prefer an in-person appointment?