A Second Opinion, Without the Wait

If your doctor said you need a heart procedure, you may have questions or want certainty on the path forward. In moments like these, it’s okay to pause and seek clarity. A second opinion on a recommended heart procedure can help you:

better understand your diagnosis
explore your options
feel more confident in your decision

Enhanced access to cardiac surgery is meant to support you at this critical point in your care. Through our partnership with Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), eligible MVP members can meet with advanced cardiac specialists from WMCHealth for expert second opinions.

Our team of dedicated Care Guides can connect you with WMCHealth specialists quickly. We can help coordinate your care and schedule an appointment within 48 hours*.

To get started, call an MVP Care Guide at 1-888-687-4886 (TTY 711). We’ll walk you through every step of the way.

*Initial appointments are scheduled to occur within 48 hours. If the required forms and medical records are not received prior to the appointment, it will be rescheduled to allow the provider enough time to review the information.

Is This Program For You?

This program may be for you if any of these situations sound familiar:

A doctor has told you that you may need bypass or heart valve surgery.
A recent heart catheterization (angiogram) found blockages.
You’re weighing a major heart decision and want to be confident it’s the right one.
You’d like to know if there’s a less-invasive option, or if surgery is truly the best path.

An expert second opinion isn’t second-guessing your doctor. It is a normal, recommended step before a big heart decision.

Please note, if you have symptoms right now, like chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or fainting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This is for members with recommended, non-emergency heart decisions.

How does it work?

1
Call an MVP Care Guide at 1-888-687-4886. They will discuss the program with you and will make sure you are qualified.
2
The Care Guide will connect you to a representative at WMCHealth. They will collect the required information and schedule your first visit, which is virtual. They will also send the forms that must be completed and returned to WMCHealth prior to your first visit.
3
Ask your provider to send the following information to WMCHealth:

Recent progress note — your heart doctor’s latest summary of your condition and the care you’ve had so far.
Lab results — recent blood work and other lab tests.
Cardiac catheterization results and imaging — the report and imaging from your angiogram, the test that uses dye and X-ray to show any blockages in your heart’s arteries.
CTA or MRA results and imaging — detailed scans (CT or MRI) that map your heart and its blood vessels.
Echocardiogram results and imaging — an ultrasound that shows how your heart is pumping and how its valves are working.
Carotid results and imaging — an ultrasound of the arteries in your neck that carry blood to your brain.

You will be given detailed instructions for how to submit this information to WMCHealth. Use this checklist to help ensure you’ve submitted all the required information.

4
Have a virtual visit with a Physician Assistant (PA) and cardiothoracic surgeon from WMCHealth. They will review your information and talk about next steps, which may include an in-person visit at WMCHealth in Valhalla, New York.

Get Started Today

For more information or to see if you qualify, contact an MVP Care Guide.
Call 1-888-687-4886 (TTY 711)
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms are required before I can have an appointment?
WMCHealth will send you a link so you can complete the following forms prior to your first appointment:

Patient Registration Form
Your basic information and insurance, so Westchester can set you up as a patient. It also includes a few standard acknowledgments to sign.

Records Access Consent
This lets your Westchester care team securely view your existing health records through New York’s health information network — so they don’t start from scratch and your visit happens sooner. It’s your choice, and you can change it anytime.

Authorization to Release Records
This allows your current heart doctor’s records to be sent to Westchester for your consult.

Patient Code of Conduct
A short overview of what to expect as a patient at the practice.

Patient Representative Form (optional)
If you’d like a spouse or family member to help discuss your care and scheduling, this form authorizes that. (It asks for your Social Security number.)

These must be received before your appointment or it will be rescheduled to allow the provider enough time to review the information.
How much does this cost?

Specialist co-pay or co-insurance may apply, per your MVP plan. For specific details about your benefits, coverage, and costs, refer to your plan documents for more information on specialist visits. An MVP Care Guide can help you as well.
Do I have to travel to a WMCHealth office?

After your first virtual visit, your WMCHealth provider may recommend an in-person visit. If so, you will need to go to WMCHealth in Valhalla, New York.
If I get a second opinion from WMCHealth, do they do the heart procedure too?

You are under no obligation to have any services performed at WMCHealth. This is an opportunity for you to have a second opinion from a renowned cardiac center. The goal is to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision on your recommended heart procedure. You can decide your course of treatment and where you’d like to have the treatment.
Can’t I get a second opinion with a heart specialist closer to me?

Yes, you can get a second opinion from a provider closer to you. Due to our strong relationship with WMCHealth, we are able to expedite the process and get you an appointment faster. At this time, we do not have similar programs built with other facilities.
Why WMCHealth?

MVP has developed a strong partnership with WMCHealth to increase access to high quality care. We chose WMCHealth for several reasons. They have been listed as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery for four years running (2023–2026). They also are in the top 5% in the nation for Cardiac Surgery and have earned the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award for the past four years. In addition, they are a Five-Star recipient for Coronary Bypass (CABG) for the past six years, have completed more than 700 TAVR procedures, and feature a collaborative heart-valve team for high-risk, complex cases.

Cardiac Surgery Enhanced Access