Indiana Residents Seek Virtual Second Opinions Twice as Often as Other U.S. States

Local trends in cancer-related second opinions point to national need for specialist access and improved health benefits offerings

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New data from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, a leading provider of virtual second opinions (VSOs), found Indiana residents accounted for nearly one in five of The Clinic’s cases between January 2023 and June 2024. More than half of Indiana VSOs (55%) were second opinion consultations for cancer-related conditions. The large case volume stems from Midwest health plan partnerships, which cover the cost of cancer-related VSOs, among other diagnoses, for Indiana members.

“We find that when residents are aware of VSOs as an option—or better yet, when their health plan or employer offers them as a covered benefit—they're more likely to use the service,” said Frank McGillin, CEO of The Clinic. “Cancer is now the top cost-driving condition for employers, and despite the continued rise in cases we’re facing an ongoing shortage of oncology specialists. Virtual options like VSOs connect patients to world-class clinicians from the comfort of their homes, resulting in better outcomes, a more convenient patient experience, and thousands of dollars saved by avoiding unnecessary costs. It’s a win-win both for patients and their health plans.”

The volume of cases in Indiana reinforces the recent finding that patients are more likely to seek a second opinion if the service is covered as a benefit by their employer. While 71% of survey respondents who previously had a serious health condition considered a second opinion, only half ultimately received one, citing perceived cost and lack of local specialists as top barriers.

“Cancer is a complex and often life-altering condition that requires careful consideration of all available treatment options in an always evolving medical field,” said Steven C. Campbell, urologic oncologist with Cleveland Clinic. “When virtual second opinions are offered as a covered benefit, patients can more easily access top cancer experts to either confirm they’re on the right path forward or to quickly course correct. As an oncologist, it’s incredibly satisfying to give patients the peace of mind that they’re pursuing a treatment plan designed to deliver the best possible outcomes.”

Analyses of virtual second opinions have found that 67% of VSOs result in a recommended diagnosis or treatment plan change. Meanwhile, 85% recommend an alternative, sometimes less invasive treatment to surgery, and 62% recommend a lower rate of hospitalization compared to initial diagnoses. VSOs from The Clinic result in an average of $8,705 savings per patient, and over $100,000 in average savings for high-cost patients.

About The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic™

Each year, millions of Americans receive a life-changing healthcare diagnosis and face new, difficult or complex decisions about medical treatment. The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic was founded for these life-changing moments. As a leading provider of virtual second opinions, The Clinic believes that patients should never have to settle for anything less than a clear and confident path forward. A transformative joint venture between Cleveland Clinic and Amwell, The Clinic uses Amwell’s leading connectivity technologies to enable patients to access Cleveland Clinic’s deep and comprehensive medical expertise, including over 3,500 physicians in more than 550 advanced subspecialties. The Clinic offers fully secure video consultations, digital record collection and concierge-level service to patients, health plans and more. For more information about The Clinic, visit www.clinicbyclevelandclinic.com and follow on LinkedIn.