Is a Second Opinion Considered Medical Practice?
Yes. Regardless of whether the consult is brief, asynchronous, or non-treatment-oriented, offering a second opinion is still practicing medicine. This means you must be licensed in the patient’s state — even if you're not physically there or prescribing anything.
Why the IMLC Makes Second Opinions Possible at Scale
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) enables physicians to quickly gain legal access to patients in 35+ states. This is ideal for second-opinion models, where consults may come from any location and volume can vary week to week.
Common Use Cases
- Specialist reviews (oncology, cardiology, neurology, etc.)
- Expert panels or subspecialty reviews
- Employer or payer-requested second opinions
- Direct-to-consumer platforms offering peace-of-mind consults
All of these require multistate coverage to operate legally and efficiently.
Asynchronous vs. Live Consults
Even if a second opinion is delivered via written report, secure messaging, or pre-recorded video — it’s still regulated. States define medical practice based on the physician-patient relationship, not communication format.
Benefits of IMLC Licensing for Second Opinions
- Speed: Add licenses in under a week once LOQ is issued
- Flexibility: Consult across time zones and patient locations
- Compliance: Reduce legal risk while scaling services
- Reputation: Build a national presence with full licensure
This structure supports both solo physicians and enterprise-level operations.
What About Malpractice?
Coverage is still required, even if you’re not treating. Many carriers now offer tailored plans for second-opinion work, with lower premiums than active treatment policies. Confirm your policy includes all states where you’re licensed and operating.
Can You Use the IMLC for Group-Based Second Opinions?
Yes — if each provider is licensed individually. Many platforms build teams with overlapping licenses to ensure coverage in every compact state. Smart routing systems can direct patients only to eligible providers.
Final Thoughts
The demand for expert review and second opinions is rising — but so is regulatory scrutiny. The IMLC gives you the legal infrastructure to meet that demand across state lines, with speed, safety, and scale. If you’re delivering expertise, don’t let borders limit your impact. Use the IMLC to do it right.