The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s telehealth division, UAB eMedicine, has recently launched its Online Second Opinion platform.
UAB eMedicine’s Online Second Opinion service allows for non-UAB patients, physicians and clinicians to request an online second opinion from UAB Medicine specialists. Via virtual submissions through a secure online portal, patients will have remote access to UAB’s professional care and renown expertise. This program increases access to care for many, especially those in rural areas. These online second opinions will particularly be beneficial in cases of rare diseases, cancers that are not common and neurological conditions.
“Most smaller communities and even cities that are not near a university do not have access to what I call super subspecialized care, or care from experts in specific diseases and not just organ systems,” said Eric Wallace, M.D., medical director for Telehealth at UAB Medicine. “The Online Second Opinion program opens up the possibility of accessing this super subspecialized care to those outside of Birmingham and the surrounding area.”
The Online Second Opinion service is currently available for the specialties below, with additional areas to be added soon:
- Neurology (movement disorders)
- Oncology (cancer)
- Gynecologic Oncology (cancers of the female reproductive system)
- Neuro-oncology
Burt Nabors, III, M.D., professor of neurology and director for the UAB Division of Neuro-oncology, says eMedicine has been a tremendous tool for neuro-oncology.
“Expanding access to new treatments can improve outcomes and advance cancer care,” said Rebecca Arend, M.D., associate professor in the UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology. “More access to new treatments means better care and better outcomes.”
“We are a subspeciality for which there are none outside UAB, and we provide patient care but also support of our community physicians as these patients are cared for close to home,” Nabors said. “The eMedicine allows us to utilize local imaging facilities and assess disease or response to therapy for patients in their local community.”
This program prioritizes UAB’s mission by seeking to expand quality health care through the empowerment of patients to make confident and informed decisions about their health and treatment options.
“The mission of UAB is to provide life-changing care, and the UAB Online Second Opinion program allows for people in need across the country to access our specialized care and experience,” Wallace said.
To view more details and eligibility for the Online Second Opinion service, click here or call 205-996-3633.