SECOND OPINION SERVICE

GET A SECOND OPINION AT NO EXTRA COST

We want to help you make confident decisions about your healthcare. That’s why we’re helping our members get a free, confidential second opinion from a certified, practising specialist based in Australia.

Why get a second opinion?

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with a complex medical condition, a second expert medical opinion can:

  • provide reassurance and peace of mind
  • help you understand your treatment options
  • provide advice if current treatment doesn’t seem to be working
  • answer your questions or concerns about your diagnosis or treatment.

Get a second opinion, at no extra cost. That's Uncommon Care.

How it works

Eligible members register for the service and are assigned a medical specialist. You can ask questions about your diagnosis, expected outcomes or treatment.

The specialist will review any medical notes, pathology reports or scans that you provide and discuss them with you. You’ll then be sent a written report, which you can choose to share with your treating doctors.

The specialist won’t have any role in your ongoing treatment after they’ve given their opinion. The report they provide is for information purposes only, is general in nature, and limited to the information you provide. Any follow-up actions should be taken with your treating doctors.

Cost

The service is free for eligible members.

Who provides the service

The service is delivered by mlcoa, part of MedHealth, the largest provider of independent medical opinions in Australia. 

HOW TO ACCESS THE SERVICE

CHECK THAT YOU’RE ELIGIBLE

You’re eligible if you’ve had an HCF hospital policy for 12 months and are up to date with your premiums*, you’ve met with a specialist and have a diagnosis (a GP consultation isn’t enough to use the service) and your medical condition is covered. See excluded conditions.

REGISTER FOR THE SERVICE
 

Complete the mlcoa online registration form. During this process you can ask questions and provide any supporting documentation you’d like the specialist to review. mlcoa may also ask for more information, like test results or x-rays.

YOU’RE ASSIGNED A SPECIALIST

You’ll be sent an email with the name and qualifications of your assigned specialist within 10 business days. The specialist may call you if they need to discuss any details about the information you provided. Note that you can’t choose the specialist yourself.

THE SPECIALIST SENDS YOU A REPORT

You’ll receive a report within 10 business days of registration. Your report is confidential and will only be shared with you. You can choose to share the advice with your treating doctors and care team.

EXCLUDED CONDITIONS

Most medical conditions are covered. What’s not included:

  • any condition where you haven’t consulted a specialist
  • acute infections
  • acute trauma
  • ear, nose, throat or chest infections
  • joint conditions requiring arthroscopy
  • obstetric conditions
  • mental health conditions
  • dental problems
  • cosmetic consultations
  • conditions which need screening or surveillance tests or procedures
  • conditions for which you’re currently in hospital.

The report and this service may not be used for medico-legal cases.

YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION AND PRIVACY

Medical information you should provide

The amount of medical information you share with the specialist is up to you. The more detailed information you can provide, the better the specialist will be able to address your concerns.

You can ask questions or share supporting information like a specialist report, x-ray, or pathology test result.

Information shared with HCF

mlcoa won’t share any medical or personal health information about you with HCF. The use of the Second Opinion service doesn't affect what you're covered for or the premiums you pay.

To register for the service, mlcoa will need to inform HCF so we can check that you’re eligible. With your consent, mlcoa will send HCF your name, date of birth and HCF membership details. This will also allow mlcoa to bill HCF for the service.

Your privacy

mlcoa uses a secure web form when you register. They also provide a secure electronic method for you to share your supporting information.

Your information will be securely stored by mlcoa and treated as a medical record in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Any information you share is only between you and mlcoa. It is not stored or sent outside of Australia.

The personal information (including health and other sensitive information) you provide is used by mlcoa and other service providers (appointed by mlcoa) only for the purpose of delivering the service.

Only with your consent will mlcoa share:

  • customer service feedback with HCF
  • your personal information (including health and other sensitive information) to your treating doctors and care team.

For more information about how mlcoa or HCF collect, use, disclose, hold, secure and handle your personal information, see the HCF Privacy Policy and mlcoa Privacy Policy.

If you wish to make a complaint, please email mlcoa at hcf@mlcoa.com.au or call 1300 205 438. mlcoa will attempt to resolve the issue and will only share your complaint with HCF if you provide consent. HCF may also receive de-identified information about the nature of the complaint.

CONTACT US

If you have questions about the Second Opinion service you can email us at 2ndOpinion@hcf.com.au or call 13 13 34.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

* Members with Accident Only cover, Extras Only cover, Ambulance Only cover or Overseas Visitors cover are not eligible. Members of RT Health and Transport Health belong to the HCF Group of companies and are eligible for this service if they have held a hospital policy for at least 12 months.