You have just been diagnosed with a medical condition. Even if you believe that your local doctor is knowledgeable and well trained, perhaps you would like a second opinion from an independent and objective international expert to confirm the diagnosis before you begin treatment.

A 2006 study of all autopsies conducted in the United States found a 40 percent misdiagnosis rate. The study found that in approximately 10 to 12% of those cases the patient could have been discharged alive if an accurate diagnosis had been received. Alivia Swiss Health Management proudly introduces its medical second opinion program which allows you to consult with leading international medical specialists – without necessarily getting on a plane – to confirm your diagnosis, review your current treatment plan and explore possible treatments in the UK or at medical centers of excellence around the world.

Alivia’s Second Opinion Service can be delivered within a 3-4 weeks upon our receipt of your medical files and images. Although every client and their illnesses are different, the report of your second opinion will be presented in the same way, with the three pillars of a second opinion covered:

• Verification of diagnosis.
• A world leading specialist to opine on your treatment to date.
• A world leading specialist recommendation on next steps – this could include suggested drugs, further tests, surgery, clinical trials, radical innovative treatment or just to remain on your current course of action.

Alivia employs complex research systems to make sure we select the best specialist for you and your illness. The process of the service follows these six steps:

1. Collation of all medical files and images relevant to your condition by your individually assigned Personal Health Manager.
2. Review by Alivia’s internal research team – the Medical Intelligence Unit (MIU) – under the auspices of our Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director – of the files and images to conduct an initial assessment of the diagnosis, your physician’s planned treatment strategy and any new or innovative treatment strategies that could be applicable to your future care.
3. Research and analysis by the MIU to identify leading international specialists to verify the diagnosis coupled with an assessment of the treatment you have received to date.
4. The MIU will consider and evaluate second opinions from international specialists, including the US as well as continental Europe and the UK. We will provide you with biographic background details and reasons for selecting a particular specialist.
5. Coordination with the international expert to obtain the second opinion in writing regarding the diagnosis and potential alternative treatment strategies (we also arrange face to face consultations too).
6. After the external second opinion has been received you will receive a report from Alivia’s Chief Medical Officer summarising the opinion and recommendations for suggested next steps.

Throughout the process you will have continuous contact with your Personal Health Manager, who will liaise between you, Alivia’s medical team, as well as the second opinion providers.

Every bit of research Alivia does is on a client by client basis. Every person is different so every tumor or illness is different; meaning a subtly different approach is necessary. We’re here to make sure no stone is being left unturned with your care. Once the Alivia Second Opinion Service has been delivered, you have the option to move onto a medical management programme where your entire healthcare process will be in our hands. This allows you and your family to concentrate solely on getting better or making sure the time you have left is stress free and as comfortable as possible. Alternatively you can take the report back to your consulting physician who we would expect to be more than happy to take it into account whilst furthering the patient’s treatment/care.

Alivia. Your health in the best hands.