When facing a serious diagnosis or being advised to undergo surgery, many patients want a second, expert opinion — ideally from trusted specialists in Germany. AskGermanDoc makes this process simple, transparent, and 100% online. Here’s how it works, step by step.
Why a Second Medical Opinion from Germany Matters
Germany is internationally recognized for its evidence-based medical standards, advanced diagnostic technologies, and multidisciplinary care. German specialists combine clinical precision with ethical transparency — ensuring that every recommendation is based on objective medical evidence, not commercial interests.
A second opinion from Germany can help patients:
- Confirm or clarify an existing diagnosis
- Understand alternative treatment options
- Avoid unnecessary or premature surgery
- Gain peace of mind through professional medical review
AskGermanDoc enables access to these expert evaluations without the need to travel to Germany.
What You Need Before You Start
Before submitting your case, it’s important to gather all relevant medical information. This ensures that the reviewing specialist can provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment.
- Recent medical reports (MRI, CT, ultrasound, pathology, lab tests)
- Discharge summaries or consultation notes
- Current treatment plan or prescribed medication (if applicable)
- Any prior opinions or surgical recommendations
Documents may be in English, German, or Russian. Certified medical translation can be arranged through AskGermanDoc if needed.
How It Works — Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Choosing Your Doctor
On the AskGermanDoc website, you can view a selection of German specialists who collaborate with our platform. Patients can choose a doctor independently based on their medical condition or area of concern.
If you cannot find the right specialist on the website, simply contact us through the contact form. Our coordination team will recommend the most suitable expert from our extensive network of partner clinics and specialists across Germany.
Step 2 — Registration and Case Submission
After selecting a doctor, the patient proceeds with a quick registration and creates a case request. During this step, you’ll fill out a medical questionnaire providing essential details about your diagnosis, previous examinations, and current symptoms. This helps the doctor understand the background of your case in advance.
Step 3 — Uploading Medical Documents
Once the questionnaire is completed, you can upload your medical files — such as discharge summaries, MRI or CT scans, lab results, and other relevant materials. Accepted file formats include PDF, DICOM, and ZIP.
Step 4 — Payment
After submitting your case, you’ll be redirected to the payment page. The service fee can be paid online through a secure payment system. All prices are fixed and transparent.
Step 5 — Document Verification and Case Processing
After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The AskGermanDoc team then begins processing your request: verifying your uploaded documents, arranging certified medical translation if necessary, and forwarding your case to the selected doctor. The specialist then begins the review process and prepares a written medical opinion.
Step 6 — Expert Analysis and Written Medical Opinion
The German specialist carefully reviews all submitted materials and prepares a detailed written report that includes:
Step 7 — Optional Video Consultation
If you wish to discuss the written opinion personally, you may schedule a short video consultation with the doctor. This allows you to clarify details, ask follow-up questions, and better understand the recommendations.
Step 8 — Receiving the Final Report
The completed report is uploaded to your personal AskGermanDoc account. The average turnaround time is up to 7 working days. You can then share the opinion with your local physician for further discussion or treatment planning.
How Long Does It Take?
For most cases, the entire process — from upload to written opinion — is completed within one week. Complex cases involving multiple experts (for example, in oncology) may require a few extra days. Fast-track reviews can be arranged if time is critical.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary by medical specialty and case complexity. Typical price ranges:
| Specialty | Average Cost (€) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedics / Spine | 350–400 | Review of MRI and written opinion |
| Oncology | 350–800 | Multidisciplinary review possible |
| Gynecology | 350–500 | Includes breast cancer and fertility cases |
| Cardiology | 350–500 | Includes ECG and diagnostic review |
All prices are transparent and include translation, coordination, and report delivery. Optional video consultations are available for an additional 200€.
Who Are the Specialists?
All AskGermanDoc opinions are provided by board-certified German physicians — many of whom are professors, department heads, or senior consultants at leading German hospitals. Each doctor is selected based on professional experience, academic background, and patient feedback.
Opinions are always written personally by the assigned physician and follow German medical confidentiality standards (ärztliche Schweigepflicht).
Example Case (De-Identified)
A 58-year-old patient was recommended for spine surgery in his home country. Before proceeding, he uploaded his MRI and medical summary via AskGermanDoc. A German spine specialist reviewed the case and confirmed that surgery could be postponed with a conservative treatment plan. The patient discussed the findings with his local doctor and adjusted therapy accordingly.
Start Your Case in Minutes
Getting a professional second opinion from Germany has never been easier. Upload your documents securely, and within days, you’ll receive an expert medical evaluation from a leading German specialist.
Sources:
- German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) – “Official Fee Schedule for Physicians (GOÄ): Standardized Medical Tariffs in Germany” – www.bundesaerztekammer.de
- Gematik – “GDPR and Medical Data Protection in Germany” (2024) – www.gematik.de
- Deutsches Ärzteblatt – “Telemedicine and Second Medical Opinions: Modern Forms of Remote Consultation” (2024) – www.aerzteblatt.de
- World Health Organization (WHO) – “Ethical and Legal Frameworks for Telemedicine and Cross-Border Consultations” (2023) – www.who.int
- European Commission – “GDPR and Processing of Personal Health Data” – health.ec.europa.eu
- Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) – “Healthcare Services and Digitalization in Germany” (2024) – www.gtai.de
- AskGermanDoc – Verified internal data on second opinion procedures, compliance with GOÄ standards, and GDPR-based data protection (2024–2025)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical consultation. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. AskGermanDoc does not promote or advertise specific medical services, physicians, or therapies.