AskGermanDoc is an international telemedicine platform that connects patients abroad with certified German medical specialists for written medical second opinions and optional online consultations.
The service is designed for patients who have received a diagnosis or a recommendation for surgery and want an independent evaluation from an experienced German expert without traveling to Germany.

AskGermanDoc organizes the entire process — including medical file handling, translation (if needed), case assignment to the right specialist, and secure delivery of the written medical report. The platform does not replace a physical examination but provides expert guidance to help patients make informed medical decisions based on German clinical standards.

AskGermanDoc follows a structured and internationally standardized workflow:

1. You upload your medical documents (MRI, CT, reports, lab results, discharge summaries).

2. Your case is reviewed by our medical coordination team, who assign it to a German specialist with the appropriate expertise.

3. The doctor analyzes your diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plan according to German medical guidelines.

4. You receive a written second opinion, explaining:

   • whether the diagnosis is accurate

   • whether the recommended treatment is appropriate

   • alternative, evidence-based medical options

   • further diagnostic steps if necessary

5. Optional: You may book a video consultation with the same specialist to discuss your questions.

Most reports are delivered within 7 working days, depending on complexity and document completeness.
No travel to Germany is required.

AskGermanDoc works exclusively with board-certified German specialists (Fachärzte) who practice in recognized clinics, university hospitals, or specialized medical centers in Germany. All doctors:

• hold officially recognized specialist titles

• have many years of clinical experience

• are trained in German medical guidelines and evidence-based practice

• are qualified to provide expert second opinions for international patients

• review cases independently and without influence from external institutions

The specialists cover a broad range of medical disciplines, including orthopedics, oncology, neurology, gynecology, cardiology, spine surgery, and additional fields relevant to complex diagnoses.

AskGermanDoc provides second opinions and expert reviews across the most in-demand medical fields, including:

• Orthopedics & Traumatology

• Spine Surgery

• Oncology (Cancer)

• Gynecology & Breast Health

• Neurology & Neurosurgery

• Cardiology

• General Surgery

• Urology

• Internal Medicine

• Endocrinology

If a case requires expertise outside the standard areas, AskGermanDoc identifies an appropriate specialist within its network of German clinicians. Complex and multidisciplinary cases can be reviewed by multiple experts if medically necessary.

AskGermanDoc is designed for international patients, including:

• individuals who have received a diagnosis and want an independent review

• patients considering surgery and seeking confirmation or alternatives

• people with chronic or unclear symptoms who want a specialist evaluation

• families searching for expert advice on complex or rare diseases

• patients abroad who wish to understand German treatment standards

• anyone who cannot or does not want to travel to Germany for an in-person evaluation

There are no geographic restrictions — the service is available worldwide.
German residents are not the target audience; the platform focuses specifically on international patients seeking German expertise.

AskGermanDoc currently operates in several international languages to serve patients worldwide:

• English

• Russian

• German (for documentation purposes)

• Turkish

• Arabic

• Spanish

Medical documents can be submitted in English, German, or Russian.
If translation is required, AskGermanDoc provides professional medical translation services to ensure accuracy before the case is reviewed by the specialist.

A medical second opinion is an independent professional assessment of a diagnosis, treatment plan, or recommended surgery by a qualified specialist who was not involved in the original evaluation.
The purpose is to confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis, review potential treatment alternatives, and help patients make informed medical decisions based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A second opinion does not replace an in-person examination but complements it with expert-oriented medical reasoning.

A second opinion is recommended whenever a procedure carries significant medical, financial, or long-term functional consequences. German specialists often review whether:

• the diagnosis is complete and medically justified

• non-surgical alternatives were sufficiently evaluated

• additional diagnostics are needed

• the planned surgery meets current medical guidelines

• there are less invasive or more evidence-based approaches

This helps reduce the risk of unnecessary or premature surgeries and ensures that decisions are made with maximum medical clarity.

In many cases, a second opinion provides additional insights, alternative approaches, or identifies missing diagnostics. It may confirm the original recommendation, suggest a different therapy, or highlight risks that were not previously discussed.
AskGermanDoc does not guarantee specific outcomes; the specialist provides an independent medical evaluation based on the available documents, imaging, and clinical evidence.

A second opinion is recommended if:

• surgery has been recommended

• the diagnosis is unclear or conflicting

• symptoms persist despite treatment

• multiple treatment options exist with different risks

• a rare or complex disease is suspected

• you want to compare your care with German medical standards

Patients often request a second opinion before orthopedic surgery, cancer therapy, spine procedures, neurological interventions, gynecological operations, or cardiology treatments.

Yes, provided that the patient’s condition allows time for document review.
AskGermanDoc specialists regularly assess orthopedic, oncological, and neurological cases that require timely evaluation.
However, AskGermanDoc does not replace emergency care, and acute life-threatening situations must be handled locally by emergency medical services.
The platform offers rapid written assessments for non-emergency cases where a structured review is medically appropriate.

Yes. Patients may seek a second opinion to:

• clarify whether the initial treatment was appropriate

• evaluate ongoing symptoms

• understand long-term management options

• review complications or unexpected outcomes

Retrospective case analysis can help patients understand the medical rationale behind their previous treatment and identify suitable next steps.

A second opinion can be especially valuable when:

• the diagnosis is uncertain

• the disease is uncommon

• multiple specialists are involved

• additional diagnostic pathways exist in Germany

The clarity provided by specialized reviewers can guide appropriate next steps or confirm complex diagnoses.

German medical second opinions are widely respected because they are based on strict clinical guidelines, evidence-based diagnostics, and internationally recognized quality standards.
Germany maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive healthcare regulatory systems, ensuring that specialists use established protocols and rely on extensive clinical experience.
Second opinions from German doctors often provide detailed explanations, structured reasoning, and transparent evaluation of risks and benefits — making them valuable for patients seeking clarity and objectivity.

German specialists offer a combination of:

• advanced diagnostic expertise

• up-to-date knowledge of international guidelines

• strong interdisciplinary cooperation

• extensive experience with complex and rare diseases

• independent, unbiased evaluations

Their assessments are typically systematic, thorough, and focused on long-term patient outcomes, which helps patients understand all medically appropriate options.

Germany’s healthcare system is built on:

• strict specialist training requirements

• mandatory board certification (Facharztausbildung)

• adherence to evidence-based national and European guidelines

• continuous medical education

• high-access diagnostic infrastructure (MRI, CT, PET, labs)

• multidisciplinary clinical pathways

This structured approach ensures that second opinions are consistent, medically rigorous, and aligned with recognized treatment standards.

Yes. Many German specialists regularly treat or evaluate international cases, especially in fields such as orthopedics, oncology, gynecology, neurology, and cardiology.
University hospitals and certified medical centers in Germany frequently receive patients from Europe, the Middle East, the CIS region, and Asia.
As a result, German doctors are familiar with diverse medical backgrounds, varying diagnostic standards, and differing treatment recommendations from other health systems.

Yes. Germany has internationally recognized expertise in:

• rare diseases

• complex orthopedic and neurological disorders

• multidisciplinary cancer diagnostics

• spine and joint pathology

• autoimmune and systemic diseases

German specialists rely on detailed imaging interpretation, extensive clinical algorithms, and collaborative expert panels — making them well-suited for complex case evaluation where clarity is limited.

A second opinion from a German specialist provides:

• a clear explanation of the diagnosis

• an independent review of recommended treatments

• risk-benefit assessments

• transparent medical reasoning

• structured, written guidance that can be shared with local doctors

This helps patients understand whether their current treatment plan is appropriate or whether alternative solutions should be considered.

Yes. German specialists typically discuss:

• evidence-based alternatives to surgery

• updated treatment guidelines

• minimally invasive techniques

• advanced interventional procedures

• rehabilitation or conservative therapies

• diagnostic steps that may clarify the case

The goal is to provide a comprehensive review so patients can compare multiple medically appropriate options.

AskGermanDoc can review a broad range of medical conditions that require expert evaluation, including orthopedic disorders, cancer diagnoses, neurological diseases, gynecological conditions, spine issues, cardiovascular diseases, and complex or unclear cases.
German specialists analyze all submitted medical documents, imaging, and test results to provide an independent, evidence-based second opinion.
The service is suitable for most non-emergency medical conditions where a structured assessment is clinically appropriate.

Yes. AskGermanDoc works with German oncologists who review cancer diagnoses and treatment plans such as:

• breast cancer

• lung cancer

• colorectal cancer

• prostate cancer

• gynecological cancers

• lymphoma and hematological malignancies

The assessment typically includes a review of imaging, pathology reports, staging, and recommended therapies.
A second opinion does not replace in-person examinations or oncological treatment but helps patients compare international standards.

Yes. Orthopedic conditions are among the most common requests received by AskGermanDoc.
Cases include:

• knee injuries (ACL, meniscus, cartilage damage)

• hip and knee osteoarthritis

• shoulder injuries

• sports injuries

• joint degeneration

• chronic pain syndromes

• trauma-related injuries

German orthopedic specialists review imaging and treatment plans to determine whether surgery, conservative therapy, or alternative procedures are medically appropriate.

Yes. German spine specialists can evaluate:

• herniated discs

• spinal stenosis

• spondylolisthesis

• degenerative spine disease

• chronic back pain

• failed back surgery syndrome

• nerve compression

• scoliosis (adult and adolescent)

Reports typically include an analysis of MRI/CT findings and evidence-based treatment recommendations aligned with AOSpine and national guidelines.

Yes. German gynecologists and breast health specialists review:

• breast cancer evaluations

• ovarian and uterine conditions

• endometriosis

• fibroids

• pelvic pain

• gynecological imaging

• surgical recommendations

A second opinion can help patients understand treatment options, fertility considerations, and whether surgery is necessary.

Yes. German cardiologists can assess:

• coronary artery disease

• arrhythmias

• heart valve disorders

• myocarditis

• structural heart disease

• diagnostic imaging (ECG, echocardiography, cardiac CT/MRI)

• catheter and surgical recommendations

A second opinion can help clarify whether invasive procedures are necessary or whether alternative medical therapies are appropriate.

Yes, depending on available documentation.
Germany has specialized centers for rare diseases, and German specialists often work in interdisciplinary teams.
A second opinion can help determine:

• whether additional diagnostics are required

• if the diagnosis matches international standards

• whether specialized treatment pathways exist in Germany

Rare or unclear cases may require more detailed imaging or laboratory results.

To prepare a professional second opinion, AskGermanDoc typically requires:

• medical reports (diagnoses, doctor letters, consultations)

• imaging results (MRI, CT, X-ray, PET)

• laboratory results

• discharge summaries

• treatment plans or surgical recommendations

• pathology reports (for oncology cases)

The exact requirement depends on the medical condition.
If some documents are missing, the doctor will note this and recommend necessary diagnostics.

In many orthopedic, spine, neurological, or oncological cases, MRI or CT scans are essential for an accurate assessment.
AskGermanDoc accepts:

• DICOM files

• CDs or digital downloads

• uploaded ZIP files

• JPEG/PNG images if high quality

If you do not have imaging yet, the doctor may still review your documents but may recommend appropriate diagnostics before providing final treatment guidance.

AskGermanDoc supports the most common medical and document formats, including:

• PDF (medical reports, letters, lab results)

• DICOM / .dcm (MRI, CT, X-ray)

• JPG / PNG (scans or photos of documents)

• ZIP (bundled files)

Files can be uploaded via phone, laptop, or tablet.
If a format cannot be opened, the support team will inform you and help convert the file if possible.

Yes. Photos taken with a smartphone are acceptable as long as they are clear, readable, and complete.
Ensure the document:

• is not cut off

• has good lighting

• shows all pages

• includes doctor names, dates, and results

High-quality PDFs or digital originals are preferred but not mandatory.

A second opinion is still possible even if certain documents are missing.
The specialist will:

• review the available information

• identify missing elements

• explain which diagnostics or tests would be helpful

• provide medical recommendations based on available data

Missing documents may limit the level of detail in the final report, but the doctor will state this clearly and transparently.

Yes. AskGermanDoc provides professional medical translation services when needed. Documents submitted in English, German, or Russian generally do not require translation.
Documents in other languages may need to be translated before the specialist review to ensure accuracy. Translations are handled confidentially and according to medical data protection standards.

Upload all documents that are relevant to your current diagnosis or treatment plan.
As a guideline:

• imaging studies from the last 6 months

• recent blood tests

• operative reports

• diagnostic reports

• previous consultations

• current medication lists

More information generally leads to a more detailed and accurate second opinion.

AskGermanDoc uses a simple and structured workflow that begins with selecting the right specialist and continues with a secure remote medical evaluation.

1. Choosing the Specialist

Patients may select a doctor themselves, or AskGermanDoc will recommend the most suitable German specialist from a much larger internal network than the doctors listed publicly.

2. Uploading Medical Documents

After the doctor is confirmed, the patient uploads all relevant documents (reports, imaging, test results) to the secure AskGermanDoc platform.

3. Expert Review

The selected German specialist reviews the diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plan according to German clinical guidelines.

4. Written Second Opinion

The patient receives a structured written report explaining:

• whether the diagnosis is correct

• whether the recommended treatment or surgery is medically justified

• alternative treatment options

• suggested next steps

5. Optional Video Consultation

If desired, the patient can speak directly with the same specialist via video call to clarify questions.

No travel to Germany is necessary.
The entire process is completed remotely, securely, and confidentially.

Most second opinions are delivered within 7 working days, depending on:

• complexity of the medical condition

• availability of complete medical files

• need for translation

• specialty-specific workload

Urgent non-emergency cases can sometimes be prioritized.
The exact delivery timeframe is communicated after document submission.

The specialist conducts a structured, guideline-based assessment that may include:

• reviewing all reports and test results

• evaluating MRI, CT, PET, or X-ray images

• checking for missing diagnostics

• comparing your current treatment plan to German standards

• assessing risks, timing, and medical necessity

• outlining alternatives when applicable

The evaluation is independent and based solely on objective medical evidence.

Yes. Every patient receives a written, structured medical second opinion, which includes:

• a clear summary of your diagnosis

• interpretation of imaging results (if provided)

• evaluation of the proposed treatment or surgery

• evidence-based alternatives

• recommendations for next steps or further diagnostics

You can download, print, and share the report with your local doctor if you choose.

Yes. After receiving your written report, you may book an optional video consultation with the specialist.
During the consultation, you can:

• ask questions about the report

• discuss treatment options

• clarify medical terminology

• understand risks or alternatives in more detail

This step is optional but often helpful for complex cases.

AskGermanDoc offers transparent and fixed pricing for standard medical second opinions.
A written second opinion from a certified German specialist typically costs €349 for standard cases.

In more complex situations — for example, when extensive imaging, multiple specialties, or additional diagnostics need to be reviewed — the price may vary.
If this applies to your case, AskGermanDoc will inform you clearly and in advance before the evaluation begins.

There are no hidden fees.
Optional services such as medical translation or a video consultation are priced separately and added only if requested.

No. AskGermanDoc does not charge hidden fees.
All costs — including the second opinion, optional translation services, and optional video consultation — are displayed clearly before the process starts.
The price you see is the final cost unless you explicitly select an additional service.

Payments can be made securely online using internationally accepted methods, including:

• credit or debit cards

• international online payment systems

• bank transfer (depending on the country)

All payment processes are encrypted and comply with international security standards.

No. The process begins only after you select a specialist and confirm the service.
You will be asked to complete the payment before the medical review starts.
No documents are forwarded to the doctor until payment is received, ensuring a clear and transparent workflow.

Medical translation is not included in the basic fee for the second opinion.
If your documents require translation, AskGermanDoc offers professional medical translation as an optional service.
The cost is communicated in advance and added only if you request it.

Yes. AskGermanDoc is designed specifically for international patients, and the service is available worldwide.
There are no geographic restrictions, and no travel to Germany is required.
Patients can submit documents and receive their second opinion entirely online.

Yes. All patients receive a formal invoice that includes:

• the service description

• the specialist’s medical field

• the date of payment

• VAT information (if applicable)

Invoices can be used for personal records or insurance reimbursement applications.

All second opinions are prepared exclusively by board-certified German specialists (Fachärzte) with recognized clinical expertise in their field.
Each doctor has completed formal specialist training, holds official certification in Germany, and practices in reputable hospitals, university clinics, or specialized centers.
The evaluation is performed independently and is based solely on medical evidence and current clinical guidelines.

Yes. All doctors working with AskGermanDoc are fully board-certified in Germany and have completed the official German “Facharzt” specialization, which includes:

• several years of structured clinical training

• examinations by medical chambers

• continuous medical education requirements

• adherence to national and European treatment guidelines

This ensures that each second opinion is prepared at a high professional and clinical standard.

Yes. The website displays only a selection of partner specialists.
AskGermanDoc has a much larger internal network of certified German specialists, covering additional sub-specialties and expert fields not publicly listed.
This allows each case to be matched with the doctor who has the most relevant clinical expertise.

AskGermanDoc collaborates with specialists who have:

• many years of clinical experience

• advanced training in their medical fields

• experience with complex and international cases

• active roles in hospitals, clinics, or academic institutions

Many specialists are active in research, medical teaching, or multidisciplinary programs.

Yes. While AskGermanDoc primarily provides written second opinions from certified German specialists, the platform can also offer general guidance for patients who wish to explore treatment options in Germany.
The second opinion report may indicate whether treatment in Germany could be medically beneficial, and the coordination team can provide orientation on how to proceed.
AskGermanDoc does not act as a hospital or treatment provider and does not guarantee availability at specific clinics.

In some cases, the specialist who provides the second opinion may work at a clinic where treatment is available.
However, AskGermanDoc cannot guarantee that the doctor will be able to treat you personally, as this depends on clinic capacity, medical indication, and organizational factors.
Patients interested in treatment can request general guidance, but clinical scheduling is handled directly by the hospital.

Yes. The written second opinion may indicate:

• whether treatment in Germany could offer advantages

• whether more advanced diagnostics are recommended

• if specialized procedures available in Germany may be beneficial

• which type of clinic or specialist would be most suitable

The recommendation is based solely on medical considerations and clinical guidelines.

Yes. AskGermanDoc can provide general, non-promotional information about the types of clinics or specialties that handle your condition in Germany.
For example, the report may indicate whether your case is best treated at:

• a university hospital

• a certified cancer center

• an orthopedic or spine center

• a specialized cardiology or neurology clinic

AskGermanDoc does not endorse specific hospitals.

Yes. Many patients use their written second opinion to:

• request appointments at German clinics

• discuss treatment options with local doctors

• compare proposed therapies

• identify which diagnostics or steps are needed next

While the report may help accelerate medical decision-making, AskGermanDoc does not control clinic wait times or treatment availability.