The Co-operators is introducing a new product aimed at group benefits clients that need a “second opinion” on matters of mental health.
The new Medical Second Opinion (MSO) product is being rolled out by The Co-operators in partnership with WorldCare Health. It is based on a pilot research program which found that participants were “100% satisfied” with the product, which seeks to recreate the experience of visiting a physician or psychiatrist in person for a second medical opinion.
MSO combines the critical illness medical second opinion review with access to hundreds of sub-specialized psychiatrists, as well as 60 specialty clinical and research programs. These psychiatrists and programs can address virtually every aspect of psychiatric disorders that benefits clients may have, including child and adolescent psychiatry, a release said.
Mental evaluations being offered through the program are completed by WorldCare’s medical second opinion providers, which include Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry and McLean Hospital – two healthcare centres that are ranked first and second for Psychiatry in the US by U.S. News & World Report.
The Co-operators said that through the MSO product, benefits clients can expect “rapid, comprehensive and customized evaluations,” together with resources and guidance that will allow clients to make informed medical and mental healthcare decisions.
“The research program provided impressive results that reinforce the value of MSOs, and we are excited to offer it more broadly as part of our growing suite of mental health resources,” said The Co-operators vice-president of group benefits insurance Conor Quinn, who added that the company believes this new solution could make a big difference in the “wellness journey” of Canadians struggling with their mental health issues.
“Access to the right kind of psychiatric guidance is the key,” commented WorldCare global medical director Richard Heinzl. “Giving people a complete comprehensive review of where they’re at and where they’re going can have a very positive effect.”
