Virtual Expert Review

When to get a virtual expert review:

• Diagnosed with a serious or complex condition, such as a rare disease.
• Considering a major decision about next medical steps, such as surgery. 

A virtual expert review is NOT appropriate when: 

• Medical emergencies are never appropriate - always call 9-1-1, if in the U.S., or go to the nearest emergency room during medical emergencies. Other situations may include when a hospital cannot serve in the patient’s geography, usually due to licensure restraints. If you are unsure if your case is appropriate, please call…. 

The following cases usually do not fall within expert review programs:  

• The patient is currently hospitalized. 
• The patient desires a regular or follow-up telehealth visit (these are considered more like a regular appointments, only virtually, and may or may not be offered). 

How it works (Option 1) 

• Request a Virtual Expert Review 
  • The patient, referring physician or caregiver initiates the review through a basic online intake form, which outlines the request. 
  • Payment & Records Collection 
  • Once the case is deemed appropriate (non-emergent and acceptable for the case type), and identities are confirmed, the patient or care team can pay required fees and upload prior medical records. 
• Expert Evaluation 
  • The expert physician reviews medical records, and then generates a recommendation for whether or not a patient would be a good candidate to come to VCU Health for care. 
• Patient Receives Recommendation 
  • The expert recommendation is sent to the referring physician and patient for review. The patient may choose to travel in-person for treatment or follow-up. 
  • Virtual expert reviews and telehealth video visits are not the same. A telehealth appointment is like any other in-person visit, just over a secure video call. Virtual expert reviews don’t need to include a video or phone call because our physician reviews your existing medical records and focuses on the questions you already gave us. Then, you receive a written report detailing our physician’s recommendation to come to VCU Health for care. 

How it Works (Option 2) 

• Our virtual expert review process is simple and straightforward. Everything takes place online in our convenient Patient and Family Portal. You will use the portal to communicate with a case manager, upload medical records and view your report. A case manager will provide support and guidance from start to finish. The Virtual Expert Review Program doesn’t include a video visit. 
  
  
• Step 1. Create an Account in Our Patient and Family Portal 
  • Our secure Patient and Family Portal is the “hub” for your virtual expert review. After you create an account, you’ll be asked to provide initial information, including: 
  • The patient’s name, date of birth and address 
  • The patient’s current diagnosis and a brief medical history 
  • The reason for your second opinion request and your questions for the experts
     
• Step 2. Provide Us with Access to Medical Records 
  • Before providing the expert review, the specialist needs to review medical records, imaging studies and lab tests. Your case manager will gather these materials from your local care team. Or you can upload them to the portal yourself. Collecting medical records can take several days or longer in some cases.  Your case manager can provide updates on your case status.
     
• Step 3. Pay for the Virtual Expert Review 
  • Online second opinions cost $500. The cost may be higher if our team needs to involve a radiologist or pathologist in the second opinion process. Your case manager will discuss this with you before any additional specialists are involved. 
  • Virtual Expert Reviews are typically not covered by insurance. However, you may be able to pay with your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We accept payment via credit cards. You’ll receive a receipt, which you can submit to your HSA or to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. VCU Health won’t bill your insurance company directly.
     
• Step 4. Your Request Will Be Assigned to a VCU Health Specialist 
  • Once we receive the medical records and payment, you’ll be matched with the specialist who is best suited to provide the recommendation. This specialist may request additional information or medical records. The specialist may request additional input from other experts at VCU Health. This review typically takes five to seven business days once all information has been received. 
• Step 5. The Virtual Expert Review Report Will Appear in the Portal 
  • The specialist will complete your virtual expert review report within five to seven business days of receiving all medical records. Your case manager will notify you and your local treating physician when the report is available in the Patient and Family Portal.
     
• Step 6. You Can Decide What to Do Next 
  • After receiving the virtual expert review report, some families decide to transfer care to VCU Health. This may be the case if VCU Health offers treatment options that aren’t available near where you live, for example. 
  • Please let your case manager know if you would like to transfer your care or your child’s care to VCU Health. Our team will work with you to make the necessary arrangements. 

 

Ready to begin?

Start your Virtual Expert Review