Children’s Hospital Colorado Providing Remote Second Opinions via PinnacleCare’s Virtual Connect Platform

PinnacleCare Members Can Now Connect with Experts from One of the Nation’s Leading, Most Innovative Pediatric Healthcare Systems

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PinnacleCare, the premier health advisory firm, today announced that Children’s Hospital Colorado, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative pediatric healthcare systems, is now providing remote second opinions via PinnacleCare’s Virtual Connect platform.

This valuable tool eliminates geographic barriers to expert medical care around the globe, enabling patients to access medical reviews and expert second opinions without the need for travel or medical transport.

The agreement means that all PinnacleCare’s 3.5 million individual, family and employer group members can now connect with Children’s Colorado experts for second opinions whenever needed.

“We are very excited to support children and providers all over the country by offering second opinions,” said Raphe Schwartz, chief strategy officer at Children’s Colorado. “By providing this service we can help kids get the pediatric expertise they need while keeping them close to home.”

Access through remote second opinion services provides a seamless way for families to obtain recommendations from top providers they may have otherwise been unable to reach, which can then be incorporated into the local treatment plan. It also offers patients a source for answers to their questions, providing them with a support system at a time when they are particularly vulnerable.

“Remote second opinions are an effective way to help patients improve outcomes, avoid unnecessary procedures and ineffective treatments, and minimize complications,” said Miles J. Varn, M.D., PinnacleCare’s chief executive officer. “Beyond serving our members’ best interests, Virtual Connect has proven to reduce total medical costs.”

A remote second opinion includes the collection and transfer of records and images, a review of medical records by a dedicated health advisor, facilitation of a written consultation report by a physician from Children’s Colorado, a debriefing with the PinnacleCare medical director and the transfer of the report to the treating physician or team.

About Children’s Hospital Colorado

Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and recognized as a top ten children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including its location on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and across the region. The newly-opened Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs, is now the first pediatric-only hospital in southern Colorado. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About PinnacleCare

PinnacleCare is a leading health advisory firm, founded in 2001, that connects individuals to the world’s most advanced healthcare and facilitates access to top specialists for personalized care. We provide a broad range of support to families and organizations – helping our members to avoid unnecessary medical procedures and access the optimal care they deserve. For more information, visit www.pinnaclecare.com.