Virtual Specialist Review

When to get a Virtual Specialist 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 Specialist 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 specialist 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

Our virtual specialist 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 Specialist Review Program doesn’t include a video visit. 

• Request a Virtual Specialist Review 

  • The patient, referring physician or caregiver initiates the review through a basic online intake form, which outlines the request. 
  • Payment & Records Collection
    • Virtual Specialist 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.
  • 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.
    • 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. 

• Specialist Evaluation 

  • The specialist 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. 
    • You’ll be matched with the specialist who is best suited to provide the recommendation once we receive the medical records. 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. 

• Patient Receives Recommendation 

  • The specialist recommendation is sent to the referring physician and patient for review.
    • The specialist will complete your virtual 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.
    • After receiving the virtual 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. 
  • A Virtual Specialist Review and a telehealth video visit is not the same. A telehealth appointment is like any other in-person visit, just over a secure video call. Virtual specialist 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. 

 

Ready to begin?

Start your Virtual Specialist Review