Published by Dan Mueller on June 30th, 2026

A diagnosis can raise important questions, especially when the next steps are not entirely clear.

In these moments, many people look for answers, whether that means searching online for  a doctor, getting medical advice online, or exploring treatment options for a condition.

When those answers still feel uncertain, a second opinion can help.

Included Health gives eligible members a simple way to get another perspective. Members can connect with a care team, speak with a virtual doctor, and request a virtual second opinion from a specialist, all in one place.



Research suggests that up to 88% of patients are interested in getting a second opinion when making an important healthcare decision.¹

When should you get a second opinion?

Not every situation requires a second opinion. But there are times when it can make a meaningful difference.

You may want to get a second opinion if:

  • The diagnosis is serious, complex, or life-changing
  • The recommended treatment feels aggressive or unclear
  • You are considering surgery or a major procedure
  • Your symptoms are not improving
  • You want to confirm a diagnosis before moving forward

If you are asking yourself, should I get a second opinion for my condition, it is often a sign that another perspective could help.

Getting a second opinion is not about questioning your doctor. It is a standard part of care, especially for more complex situations.

What a Second Opinion Actually Does

A second opinion doctor takes a closer look at your situation, including:

  • Your medical history
  • Test results and imaging
  • Your diagnosis
  • Your current treatment plan

From there, they may:

  • Confirm your diagnosis
  • Identify different or additional treatment options
  • Recommend a less invasive approach
  • Highlight details that may need further review

An expert medical review can help confirm whether you are on the right path or identify other options you may want to consider.

Even when nothing changes, many people feel more confident knowing they took the time to check.

Common Conditions Where a Second Opinion Can Help

Second opinions are especially helpful when care decisions feel serious, complex, or high impact.

They are often used for:

  • Cancer and oncology diagnoses
  • Back, knee, and joint conditions
  • Heart and cardiovascular concerns
  • Fertility and reproductive health
  • Chronic conditions such as diabetes or migraines
  • Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
  • Skin concerns or unusual growths
  • Ongoing or unclear symptoms

These are situations where people may want to get a diagnosis reviewed, better understand their options, or feel more confident before moving forward.

How to Get a Medical Second Opinion Online

Getting a medical second opinion online does not have to be complicated.

Instead of searching for a specialist near you, gathering records, and coordinating everything on your own, Included Health helps manage the process.

With Included Health:

  • A care team gathers your medical records
  • You are matched with the right specialist for your condition
  • Your case is reviewed in detail
  • You receive clear recommendations and next steps

This approach makes it easier to get a diagnosis reviewed and understand your options without navigating everything alone.

For employees and dependents covered under a Trustmark major medical plan, medical second opinions are available at no additional cost through Included Health. Members with a major medical plan can click here to get started. 

About Included Health

Included Health provides coordinated healthcare support through a single app. Members can connect with a care team, get guidance for everyday health questions, and access second opinions from specialists based on their condition.

The service is designed to support people through both routine health needs and more complex care decisions.

A Real Example of Why a Second Opinion Matters

A 45-year-old woman who had previously been treated for breast cancer learned that new tests suggested the cancer had returned in an unusual location.*

Her doctor recommended radiation therapy. She was unsure whether starting treatment right away was the best option or if there were other options she had not yet explored.

Like many people facing a serious diagnosis, she wanted to better understand her options before moving forward.

Through Included Health:

  • Her records were collected
  • She was connected with a breast cancer specialist
  • The specialist recommended chemotherapy and shared supporting research

After reviewing the second opinion, her doctor adjusted the treatment plan. With both perspectives, she felt more confident in the care she received.

*This example is based on a real case provided by Included Health and is shared with permission. It is for illustrative purposes only and does not describe a Trustmark member.

Who can use Included Health?

Included Health is available to employees and dependents covered under a self-funded major medical benefit plan sponsored by their employer.

How much does it cost?

Included Health is fully covered by Trustmark and available at no cost to eligible members and their covered dependents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a medical second opinion online?

A medical second opinion online is when another doctor reviews your diagnosis or treatment plan to provide an additional expert perspective.

Why should I get a second opinion?

It can help confirm a diagnosis, explore treatment options, and give you more confidence before making an important decision.

Should I get a second opinion for my condition?

If your diagnosis is serious or your treatment plan feels unclear, another doctor’s opinion can help you better understand your options.

How can I get my diagnosis reviewed?

Included Health helps collect your records and connect you with a specialist, so you can get your diagnosis reviewed without managing the process yourself.

How do I find the best doctor for a second opinion near me?

Instead of searching on your own, Included Health helps match eligible members with the right specialist.

Is there a cost?

No. Included Health is fully covered at no cost for eligible members.

Making Important Healthcare Decisions with More Confidence

When a diagnosis or treatment plan feels uncertain, having access to expert support can help make the next step clearer.

Included Health brings together care, guidance, and second opinions in one place, giving eligible members a simple way to get another perspective when it matters most, without added cost.

For members, that means support when decisions feel uncertain. For employers and brokers, it reinforces the value of a benefit designed to help people feel more confident in their care.

About the Author

Dan Mueller is Director, Managed Care for Trustmark Small Business Benefits. He focuses on helping employers, brokers and members better understand how to access care and use their health benefits. 

About Trustmark® 

Smarter health plans, backed by experience. 

For more than 110 years, Trustmark has been a leader in employee benefits, bringing decades of self-funded expertise to flexible, modern health plans that help employers manage healthcare responsibly. 

Trustmark Small Business Benefits® level-funded solutions, which include PPO plans with access to national networks through Aetna® and Cigna® PPO Network, Reference-Based Pricing, and dual-option designs, give employers real transparency, predictable monthly costs, and the potential for surplus refunds. Employees receive benefits they can easily use, and brokers get a partner who has delivered stability and service for decades.* 

*Cigna® is a trademark of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Access provided through the Aetna Signature Administrators solution. 

1When your patient wants a second opinion: Considerations for HCPs. Naveed Saleh, MD, MS. 1.30.24.

Plan design availability and/or coverage may vary by state. Plans are administered by Star Marketing and Administration, Inc. and stop-loss insurance and ancillary coverage are provided by Trustmark Life Insurance Company. Trustmark® and Trustmark Small Business Benefits® are trademarks of Trustmark Insurance Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, which are not affiliates of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc., and Trustmark Life Insurance Company. 
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