Is the second opinion really free?
Yes. Reviewing reports you already have costs you nothing. A fee only applies if you later choose an in-person or video consultation, and you will be told the amount before you book.
Free · Written · No obligation
A second opinion should cost you nothingexcept the time it takes to send your reports.
If you have been told you have colorectal cancer — or that you need a permanent stoma — you are entitled to a second reading of the same evidence. Send what you already have and I will review it personally, at no charge, whether or not you ever become my patient.
Reviewed by Dr. Ritesh Anand, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology) · Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, Bengaluru
How it works
Four steps, usually inside 48 working hours.
01
Send your reports
WhatsApp or email the documents in the checklist. Photographs of paper reports are fine if they are readable.
02
I read them myself
No assistant triage. Staging, margins, sphincter distance and the trade-offs in your specific plan.
03
You get a written opinion
What your reports show, whether the proposed plan is reasonable, and what alternatives exist — in plain language.
04
You decide, unhurried
No follow-up sales call. If you want to talk it through, you ask; nobody chases you.
What to send
The more complete the file, the more useful the opinion.
Colonoscopy report
Including the endoscopist's description and how far the scope reached.
Biopsy / histopathology
The pathology report, and the block number if you have it.
Imaging
MRI pelvis for rectal disease, CT chest/abdomen/pelvis for staging. Reports plus images if available.
Blood work
Haemoglobin, CEA, liver and kidney function — most recent set.
Current plan
Any treatment plan, prescription or surgery date you have already been given.
Your history
Age, other illnesses, previous surgeries, medications, family history.
Missing something? Send what you have. Part of the opinion is often telling you which test has not been done yet and should be, before anyone operates.
What I promise, and what I will not
No obligation to transfer care
Agreeing with your current surgeon is a valid outcome and happens often. It will be said plainly.
Your records stay private
Reports are read for your opinion only. They are not shared, published or used as marketing material.
No outcome promises
You will not be quoted survival percentages or success rates. You get staging, options and honest uncertainty.
Straight answers
Before you send anything.
Do I have to switch doctors?
No. Most second opinions end with 'your current plan is sound, continue it.' That is a legitimate and common outcome, and it is written down for you either way.
How long does it take?
A written opinion is usually returned within 48 working hours of receiving complete reports. Incomplete records are the main cause of delay.
What does it not cover?
It is not an emergency service and it is not a diagnosis without examination. Heavy bleeding, severe pain or inability to pass stool or gas needs an emergency department today.
More questions are answered in the answers hub, or take the private 2-minute symptom check.