2nd.MD Launches Its Flagship Site for Second Opinions - the First and Only Site to Offer Direct Access to the Highest Caliber Physicians from the Nation's Leading Medical Centers

HOUSTON, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 2nd.MD today announces the launch of its flagship site, www.2nd.MD, an online resource that connects consumers with the nation's leading medical specialists for advice and second opinions.  For the first time, 2nd.MD provides a central place online where consumers can search, read reviews and consult with the country's top medical specialists to confidentially discuss their medical history and symptoms, learn potential causes and treatment options, get supporting referral information, and more.  

With more than 200 nationally recognized, board-certified medical specialists in more than 30 specialties and 240 sub-specialties, 2nd.MD employs a rigorous selection process for its physicians, evaluating a physician's training, professional achievement, research, board certifications, appointments, recognitions and other markers.  More than 95 percent of 2nd.MD doctors studied, trained or currently work at one of U.S. News & World Report's top hospitals or specialty programs.

"We discovered it was impossible to get a specialist on the phone anywhere in the country without visiting them first. We just wanted to ask our questions. I don't want any family to have to go through what we did with our daughter," said Clint Phillips, founder and CEO of 2nd.MD, whose personal experience was the driving factor in developing this innovative new consumer service.  "2nd.MD is a first of its kind, online health platform that brings this dispersed community of top medical talent to consumers on their terms and based on their specific health issues. In creating 2nd.MD, my goal was to make getting answers from leading doctors effortless, for anyone from anywhere."

Unlike traditional office visits where patients on average receive approximately 8-12 minutes of face-to-face time with their physician, 2nd.MD offers standard one-on-one consult sessions in 20-minute increments providing consumers more time to get the answers they need from the specialist they select. The consult fees, which are jointly set with the physician to reflect education, experience and personal achievement, differ by specialist and represent a reduced rate from the traditional in-office visit fee. Consumers can upload digital documents, scans, images, or files for their upcoming appointment so the specialist can review them if needed.

"Today we are living in the digital age, and one-on-one teleconferences and video chats are much more common. Along with this connectivity, patients' expectations have risen in terms of finding answers more quickly to their health questions," said Aaron Spitz, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, University of California-Irvine Medical Center. "2nd.MD has come along at just the right time to quickly connect people with some of the leading board-certified physicians in the world. It's no secret in the healthcare community that it can take a long time to get an appointment with a physician – and it can be even more difficult when you need to see a specialist."

With doctors participating from leading institutions, 2nd.MD offers a personalized approach to medical care. While 2nd.MD is not in the practice of medicine, clients are able to discuss health questions and concerns regardless of their proximity to the specialist.  

"2nd.MD allowed me to me to consult 'face-to-face' from my home in Honolulu with a highly reputable orthopedic specialist in Jupiter, Florida," said Rodger Hoffman, a 2nd.MD client.  "The consultation prompted me to schedule an appointment with the doctor during an upcoming trip—I am impressed and will use 2nd.MD again should the need arise."

"At 2nd.MD, we believe we are making a difference. We are providing direct and easy access to physicians that to this point, have been unavailable to the average consumer.  Our doctors lead research and modern medicine.  They serve presidents and elite pro-athletes. They occupy leadership positions at top U.S. institutions. With 2nd.MD, we are helping people to discover new options, support when they need it, and greater peace of mind," said Phillips.

For more information about 2nd.MD, or to read other consumer reviews and to explore its many specialists, visit www.2nd.MD.

About 2nd.MD

2nd.MD is an online healthcare service that provides face-to-face consultations with leading medical specialists.  With physicians participating from top healthcare institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Miami Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, University of San Francisco Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, there are over 30 specialties and 240 sub-specialties represented. Clients are able to search, select and consult with a physician of their choice from leading institutions when they need it most.  2nd.MD offers a personalized approach to medical care.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Scott Olson
612.804.1622

SOURCE www.2nd.MD