What is a rheumatology second opinion, and why might I need one?

A second opinion is an independent review of your diagnosis or treatment plan by another rheumatologist. It can confirm your current approach, provide alternative options, or offer clarity for complex or rare autoimmune conditions. At Haus Health Rheumatology, we go further by using advanced AI tools to analyze your records and provide a personalized, in-depth, evidence-based report, helping you make informed decisions about your care.

Who can benefit from this service?

Any child or adult with a rheumatic or autoimmune condition can benefit, whether newly diagnosed, managing a known disease, or dealing with unclear symptoms. Even if you already have a rheumatologist, an outside perspective can offer valuable insights.

Will my current doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?

Most doctors understand and support second opinions as part of good medical care. Our goal is to complement the care you’ve received, not to replace or criticize it. We aim to provide you and your doctor with additional insights and will provide you with a written summary that you can share with your care team. We’d also be happy to speak to your team on the phone!

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No, you can book a consultation directly with us. While it’s helpful to let your primary doctor know you’re seeking a second opinion, it’s not required for our service.

Is this service covered by insurance?

Our practice operates on a self-pay model. Many patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for payment. We provide detailed invoices you can submit to your insurance, though reimbursement isn’t guaranteed.

How is this different from a hospital consultation?

Our service is 100% virtual, with a focus on personalized, in-depth care. We spend significant time reviewing your medical records and conduct a thorough video visit to learn more about your experiences and to conduct a physical exam. We leverage the latest secure, HIPAA-compliant medical research and AI tools to provide advanced diagnostics and evidence-based recommendations. Our written report offers a comprehensive, take-home guide for ongoing care – something you may not get from a traditional visit.

What if I don’t have a rheumatologist or a clear diagnosis yet?

You’re still welcome to consult with us. We can guide you on potential diagnoses, recommended tests, and next steps, but we do recommend finding a local physician for ongoing care.

What does “concierge-style” mean?

It means personalized, high-touch care. We take the time to deeply understand your case, offer extended appointment times, and provide direct communication – without the rush typical of traditional clinics.

Will you prescribe medications or order tests if needed?

No, we don’t prescribe medications or order tests directly. Instead, we offer expert guidance for you to discuss with your primary doctor or rheumatologist.

What if I have questions after I receive my report?

You can reach out with brief follow-up questions related to your report, but ongoing concerns or new issues may require another consult.

How do you keep my information private?

We follow strict HIPAA guidelines to protect your data, using secure, encrypted systems for all communication and record storage.

How soon can I get an appointment?

We aim to respond to waitlist requests within a couple of days. While demand may vary, we do our best to accommodate urgent cases.

What patient populations do you serve?

We’re currently licensed to serve residents of Florida, Massachusetts, and internationally. If we’re not yet available in your area, sign up on our contact list and we can let you know when we become licensed in your state.

Have more questions?

Reach out to us – we’re here to help: hello@haus.health.