Cardiac Surgery Second Opinion Services Questions Answered
Verus Help Center
We know you have questions about our surgical consultation process, pricing, and what to expect. Find clear answers to the most common questions patients and families ask about Verus services.
Questions about Verus
Verus is a surgeon-led second opinion service for patients facing major heart surgery. We combine world-class surgeons with AI technology to deliver fast, independent, and personalized guidance.
Hospital programs can take weeks and often require travel. Verus delivers a surgeon-signed report online within days - simpler, faster, and fully digital.
This is our core belief; it means you should never feel pressured into surgery. Verus ensures you have the facts, options, and confidence to choose your path.
Yes. Many patients facing cardiac surgery in Nevada and California, come to us uncertain about their surgical recommendation. We can confirm if surgery is truly needed - or suggest less invasive alternatives if appropriate.
No. Patients can apply directly without a physician referral. You can apply for Verus services directly by completing this form,
We review all major heart surgeries: coronary bypass, valve surgery, aortic disease, arrhythmias, and
congenital conditions.
Our AI assists with data extraction, STS risk calculation, and guideline mapping, but every clinical decision and recommendation is made by experienced human surgeons. Verus AI enhances accuracy and efficiency - it never replaces physician judgment. A surgeon always reviews, finalizes and signs the report.
No. Every report is surgeon-verified. AI supports accuracy and speed, not decision-making.
Our consulting surgeons are board-eligible or board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery with active medical licenses and extensive expertise. Every report is personally signed and verified.
A MyVerus Report is a comprehensive, AI-supported and surgeon-verified analysis of your cardiac surgery case, including your STS risk score, guideline classification, imaging review, and personalized recommendations delivered within 72 hours.
Verus consultant surgeons are practicing surgeons. However, Verus does not provide or perform surgery as part of its services.
Yes. We calculate your STS risk score and provide guideline-based safety assessments.
Sometimes. We may confirm their plan or suggest alternatives, but your care team makes the final decision.
Concierge tiers provide 24/7 access to your reviewing surgeon up to surgery, through recovery, or even 30 days after discharge depending on plan.
How we work
No. Patients can apply directly without a physician referral. You can apply for Verus services directly by completing this form,
- Apply for a free 30 minute consultation by filling out our application form here.
- You’ll receive callback from one of our cardiac surgeons within 60 minutes.
- They’ll listen to you and discuss your case.
- After the call you’ll receive your personalized service offer based on your needs.
- Once you select your service and complete payment, you’ll have access to your Verus Dashboard, and the option to upload your medical records to our HIPAA compliant portal, or request a mail-in kit.
- Once we receive your records, our AI reviews your data and calculates your STS risk score.
- Our board-certified surgeon will then conduct a comprehensive review of your report and have a further video consultation with you.
- You’ll receive your signed, encrypted MyVerusTM Report within 72 hours.
We'll need your cardiology notes, echocardiograms, CT scans, catheterizations, and labs. We'll guide you if you’re unsure what to provide.
Most reports are delivered in 5 - 7 business days. Concierge tiers can accelerate the process to as fast as
72 hours.
Your MyVerusTM report includes a plain-English, easily understandable summary of your diagnosis, surgical risk, guideline-based recommendations, and options - backed and signed by your consulting surgeon. These include:
- calculated STS risk score (verified by our surgeon)
- guideline classification for your condition
- imaging and diagnostic review
- surgeon and hospital quality benchmarks
- treatment alternatives analysis
Yes. Most tiers include a video consultation with the surgeon who reviewed your case.
We provide postage paid mail-in kits for physical records that need to be digitized. Once we receive these, we start working on your report. Our team may also be able to help coordinate with your hospital's medical records department to obtain digital copies of your imaging.
No, Verus is not designed for emergency situations. If you're experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other urgent symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
- Verus Expert Review: Chart review with one surgeon
- Verus AIR - Advanced Imaging Review: Chart plus comprehensive imaging review
- Verus Multi: Surgeon plus cardiologist review
- Verus Connect: Includes 24/7 surgeon access through day of surgery
- Verus Care: Includes 24/7 surgeon access through recovery until day of hospital discharge
- Verus Circle: All Connect and Care services through your full pre and post operation journey, until 30 days post discharge.
MHT (Multi - Heart Team Review Service)
All services are provided by one cardiac surgeon. However, if you choose, we can provide a Multi-Heart Team (MHT) for each service / concierge level, which means:
- A cardiac surgeon AND interventional cardiologist review
- Multi-specialty perspective on treatment options
Concierge tiers provide 24/7 access to your reviewing surgeon up to surgery, through recovery, or even 30 days after discharge depending on our Concierge Circle Plan.
Concierge patients get direct text, call, or video access to a licensed cardiac surgeon. This isn't a call center - you communicate directly with experienced surgeons who understand your case and can provide personalized guidance when questions arise.
Our AI assists with data extraction, STS risk calculation, and guideline mapping, but every clinical decision and recommendation is made by experienced human surgeons. Verus AI enhances accuracy and efficiency - it never replaces physician judgment. A surgeon always reviews, finalizes and signs the report.
No. Every report is surgeon-verified. AI supports accuracy and speed, not decision-making.
We're committed to your satisfaction. If you have concerns about your consultation, you may contact our support team immediately. We'll work to address your concerns and ensure you receive the quality consultation you deserve. Refunds are available before your surgeon’s written report is finalized.
A MyVerus Report is a comprehensive, AI-supported and surgeon-verified analysis of your cardiac surgery case, including your STS risk score, guideline classification, imaging review, and personalized recommendations delivered within 72 hours.
Yes. you MyVerus Report can be downloaded as PDF and printed for your doctor or family.
Verus consultant surgeons are practicing surgeons. However, Verus does not provide or perform surgery as part of its services.
Concierge tiers provide 24/7 access to your reviewing surgeon up to surgery, through recovery, or even 30 days after discharge depending on plan.
Yes. Your Verus dashboard stores your files and you can download them anytime.
Yes. With your permission, we can send your report directly to your cardiologist or surgeon.
That’s okay. Second opinions are meant to add perspective. We respect and support your doctor’s role.
Service Pricing
Pricing ranges from $795 to $12,000 depending on the tier and level of service selected. Options include Surgeon-Only or MHT (Multi-Heart Team) review, with payment plans available.
A personalized offer will be sent you after your complimentary 30 minute consultation which you may book by completing this form.
Higher tiers provide imaging review, dual-physician opinions, and 24/7 access through surgery and recovery.
Yes. Down payments start at $500 - $3,000, with monthly installments of $397.50 - $750, depending on your selected tier.
No. All services are self-pay. Insurance coverage may be available in the future.
Yes. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are eligible. These accounts let you use pre-tax dollars for medical services like second opinions.
We accept all major credit cards and debit cards through our secure payment processor. Payment is required before we begin your case review to ensure dedicated attention to your consultation.
- Full refund if requested within 7 days before intake begins
- 50% refund after intake begins but before surgeon review
- Case-by-case evaluation after surgeon review starts or report is delivered
- All refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of purchase
No. The price you receive for your service will be the total cost for your selected service tier. There are no setup fees, administrative charges, or surprise costs.
Yes. You can upgrade at any time by paying the difference in cost.
Yes, you can downgrade your service tier before your MyVerus Report is started. Once review begins, you can only upgrade.
Your Privacy and Security
We use HIPAA-compliant encryption, secure servers, and blockchain verification to safeguard your information.
Only your Verus team and assigned surgeon. Records are never shared without your consent. You can read our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) here.
No. We never sell or use your personal health data for marketing purposes.
Our consulting surgeons are board-eligible or board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery with active medical licenses and extensive expertise. Every report is personally signed and verified.
We're committed to your satisfaction. If you have concerns about your consultation, you may contact our support team immediately. We'll work to address your concerns and ensure you receive the quality consultation you deserve. Refunds are available before your surgeon’s written report is finalized.
With your written consent, we can provide access to designated family members or caregivers. You will always control exactly what information is shared and with whom.
We retain consultation records and medical information for seven years or as required by law, consistent with standard medical practice and legal requirements.