North America Medical Second Opinion Market – Industry Trends & Outlooks
The North America medical second opinion market reached US$ 1.99 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 6.09 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.3 % during the forecast period 2025-2033.
A medical second opinion means that a patient or a physician chooses to consult another doctor or specialist after receiving an initial diagnosis or treatment plan for a medical condition. In oncology, the second opinion involves a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, diagnostic tests, pathological reports, and imaging studies, and optimizing the treatment plans.
The North America medical second opinion market is gaining momentum due to several key factors. High healthcare spending, advanced medical infrastructure, and a significant burden of chronic and complex diseases are major contributors. The widespread adoption of telemedicine and digital health solutions has made it easier for patients to access expert advice, further accelerating market growth.
The United States its a large pool of specialists, investments in healthcare technology, and supportive policies that encourage patient empowerment. Several important trends are shaping this market. The use of artificial intelligence and advanced diagnostics is improving the quality and efficiency of second opinions. Virtual consultations are becoming more popular, with hospitals and multi-specialty clinics leading in service provision due to their comprehensive resources and multidisciplinary teams.
There are strong opportunities for further growth in this sector. Continued investment in telemedicine, development of advanced diagnostic tools, and the creation of standardized protocols for second opinions can drive the market forward.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market - Executive Summary
North America Medical Second Opinion Market Dynamics: Drivers
Rising incidence of chronic diseases
The rising incidence of chronic diseases in North America acts as a major driver for the adoption of the medical second opinions market. The rising incidence of chronic diseases combined with the advancements in medical care, the demand for second opinion is expected to rise in the forecast period.
For instance, as per recent statistics published by the Global Cancer Observatory, in 2024, there are approximately 2.3 million new cancer cases, and 605k cancer-related deaths reported in North America. The overall 5-year prevalence of all types of cancers accounted for a total of 7.8 million cases. In the current scenario, the research and development activities concerning cancer care are being extensively carried out to bring rigorous yet minimally invasive treatment options.
Adopting these novel treatments, such as precision medicine, might often raise questions for both the patient and the healthcare professional, during which the second opinion plays a crucial role. Moreover, patients diagnosed with rare or aggressive cancers, such as sarcomas and brain tumors, may seek second opinions to explore treatment options beyond standard protocols or to access specialized centers with expertise in their specific conditions.
The rising incidence of chronic diseases highlights the importance of medical second opinions in empowering patients and healthcare professionals to make decisions about the cancer care plan.
Technological advancements and telemedicine
Technological advancements and the rapid adoption of telemedicine are pivotal drivers for the North America medical second opinion market, fundamentally transforming how patients access expert healthcare advice. Telemedicine allows patients to consult specialists remotely, eliminating geographical barriers and making expert second opinions accessible to individuals in rural or underserved areas.
The integration of telemedicine into second opinion services enables real-time sharing of medical records, imaging, and pathology results, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnostic reviews and treatment recommendations. AI-powered tools are increasingly used to enhance the accuracy of second opinions by analyzing large volumes of patient data, reducing diagnostic errors, and suggesting tailored treatment plans. AI integration also supports remote patient monitoring and virtual consultations, further streamlining the second opinion process.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market Dynamics: Restraints
Limited awareness of the importance of a second opinion
The limited awareness of the importance of cancer second opinions poses a significant constraint on the cancer medical second opinion market in North America. Despite the growing recognition of the complexities involved in cancer diagnosis and treatment, many patients and healthcare providers may not fully appreciate the benefits of seeking additional expert opinion.
A physician may not always recognize the value of referring their patients for second opinions, particularly if they perceive it as undermining their expertise or authority. Telemedicine has evolved as a primary tool for medical second opinion consultations, but its access is often questionable in rural areas.
Patients or the oncology care clinics that are located in remote areas might face some difficulties due to a lack of access to specialized hospitals where a second opinion is often provided. This may limit the adoption of second opinion services, especially in the rural parts of the country. Hence, the above-mentioned factors may act as a restraint for the market growth in the forecast period.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market Dynamics: Opportunities
Rise in adoption of telemedicine and digital health platforms
The increasing adoption of telemedicine and digital health platforms is creating substantial opportunities for growth and innovation in the North America medical second opinion market. These opportunities are driven by technological advancements, shifting patient preferences, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
The integration of AI, wearable devices, and IoT into telemedicine platforms enhances the quality and speed of diagnostic review and care plan formulation. Wearable technology and mobile health (mHealth) applications are increasingly used for continuous health monitoring, data collection, and sharing with second opinion providers, supporting more accurate and personalized recommendations. Predictive analytics and digital triage tools can help identify patients who would benefit most from a second opinion, streamlining service delivery.
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North America Medical Second Opinion Market - Segment Analysis
The North American medical second opinion market is segmented based on service type, indication type, mode of delivery, and provider type.
Indication Type:
The oncology indication type segment is expected to hold 28.6% of the North America medical second opinion market in 2024
The oncology (cancer) segment represents the largest share of the North America medical second opinion market. This segment is fueled by the increasing incidence of cancer throughout the region, which has heightened the demand for expert reassessment of diagnoses and treatment strategies.
Patients dealing with complex cancer cases frequently pursue second opinions to confirm their diagnosis, explore alternative therapies, and avoid unnecessary or invasive procedures. The widespread prevalence of cancer, coupled with greater public awareness and access to cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies in North America, further reinforces the importance of second opinions in oncology.
Consequently, the cancer segment stands out as the primary driver among all indication types in the North American medical second opinion market. Among different cancers that are affecting patients, breast cancer is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting females as well as males in the United States.
For instance, as per the recent statistics published by the Global Cancer Observatory, in 2024, there were 274,375 new breast cancer cases reported in North America, ranking no 1 in the most incident cancer cases. It is also one of the most prevalent cancers in North America, with a 5-year prevalence of 15.2 per 100,000 population, accounting for nearly 1.12 million cases.
Breast cancer is a major type of cancer that often requires a medical second opinion. Patients and oncologists often seek a second opinion to ensure an accurate diagnosis, especially in cases where imaging findings are ambiguous or pathology results are inconclusive. Additionally, treatment decisions for breast cancer can be complex, involving considerations such as the type of surgery and the extent of surgery, the need for adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.
Moreover, the medical second opinion also plays a crucial role in recommending that the patient participate in the clinical trials. The multidisciplinary nature of breast cancer care, involving input from surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, further underscores the importance of seeking comprehensive second opinions to guide treatment decisions and optimize clinical outcomes.
Service Type:
The diagnostic review service type segment is expected to hold 34.5% of the North America medical second opinion market in 2024
The diagnostic review service type is a core segment of the North America medical second opinion market. It involves a comprehensive re-evaluation of a patient’s initial diagnosis by an independent, qualified healthcare professional or a panel of specialists. This process is designed to confirm, clarify, or provide an alternative perspective on the original diagnosis, especially in cases involving serious, complex, or rare medical conditions.
Diagnostic review is often the most requested and valued service in the medical second opinion market due to the high prevalence of complex and chronic diseases, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and patient demand for accuracy and reassurance. Leading North American institutions (e.g., Cleveland Clinic, NewYork-Presbyterian, Duke Health) provide robust diagnostic review services, both in-person and virtually, reflecting the segment’s central role in the market.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market - Competitive Landscape.
The major players in the North America medical second opinion market include Oncology Consultants, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Accolade, UCLA Health, SecondOpinionExpert, Inc., Cleveland Clinic, and Mass General Brigham Incorporated., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, WorldCare, Teladoc Health, Inc., MediGuide International, LLC., USA Health, GrandOpinion, WorldCare, Global Second Opinion, Second Opinions (Nanox Company), and MORE Health, Inc., among others.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market - Key Developments
In May 2025, Get a Second Opinion Inc. launched its AI-powered platform designed to help consumers analyze both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This technology provides users with personalized medication recommendations based on their unique health profiles, aiming to make medication choices safer, more effective, and more affordable.
In March 2025, Second Opinion Expert (SOE) announced the launch of its new parent company, DRAI Health, Inc. The move is designed to revolutionize healthcare through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs by enabling better decision-making.
North America Medical Second Opinion Market - Scope
Metrics | Details | |
CAGR | 13.3% | |
Market Size Available for Years | 2022-2033 | |
Estimation Forecast Period | 2025-2033 | |
Revenue Units | Value (US$ Bn) | |
Segments Covered | Service Type | Diagnostic Review, Treatment Plan Review, Pathology and Radiology Review, Care Plan, Others |
Indication Type | Oncology, Cardiovascular, Rare Diseases, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Women's Health, Radiology, Others | |
Mode of Delivery | In-Person Consultations, Telemedicine | |
Provider Type | Hospitals and Cancer Centers, Insurance Providers, Academic and Research Institutes, Others | |
The North America medical second opinion market report delivers a detailed analysis with 63 key tables, more than 45 visually impactful figures, and 123 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.
