A second opinion in Valencian public healthcare is not an alternative consultation available for every disagreement. It is a new diagnosis or treatment report from another team within the public system and is limited to a defined list of serious conditions and complex clinical decisions.
Eligible cases include confirmation of malignant tumours —apart from non-melanoma skin cancers—, rare diseases, central nervous system tumours, progressive neurological diseases with no curative treatment and inflammatory bowel disease where immunosuppression or surgery is proposed. Specific cardiology, respiratory and major scoliosis surgery decisions are also included.
Apply through the hospital that made the first diagnosis
The patient, their legal representative or someone expressly authorised may apply. If the patient cannot decide, a close family member or other person with a factual relationship may act on their behalf. Only one request is allowed for each care process.
The form goes to the patient information service, or SAIP, at the hospital that issued the diagnosis, although an online route is also available. Hospital management checks whether the case meets the criteria. An ineligible request must be rejected within one week, and an express refusal can be challenged by administrative appeal within one month.
Once accepted, the first hospital gathers the tests supporting its diagnosis and sends them to the chosen second-opinion team. The patient does not have to rebuild the clinical file alone. The new report must be sent within one month of the request reaching SAIP.
A new test may be required without an automatic journey
The review is normally based on the clinical record. If the second team needs an additional test or a direct examination, the public health system bears the healthcare cost. Where there is a substantial difference, the teams must review the case and seek a joint conclusion, using remote methods where possible to avoid travel.
After receiving the report, the patient may remain with the first team or continue with the second. If both proposals agree and the patient chooses the second centre, travel costs are borne by the patient. This article should be updated if the eligible conditions, deadlines or designated services change.
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Official access: Open the official procedure.