Frequently asked questions
Help Topics
- About Alpine Diagnostics
- Radiology Second Opinion Basics
- Who the Service Is For (Common Use Cases)
- What You Can Upload (Modalities & Regions)
- How It Works (Step-by-Step)
- Turnaround Times (72h Standard, 24h Priority)
- Packages & Pricing (Transparent, Formula-Based)
- Report Quality, Structure, and Clinical Use
- Data Security, Privacy, and Confidentiality
- Safety and Urgent Findings
- Language, International Use, and Accessibility
- Topic-Specific Questions
- AI and Future Capabilities
- FAQ - For Hospitals, Clinics, and Imaging Centers (Institutional Services)
About Alpine Diagnostics
What is Alpine Diagnostics?
Alpine Diagnostics, KLG is a Swiss-based, family-owned radiology diagnostics company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. We specialize in expert radiology interpretations, with a focus on online radiology second opinions for individuals and teleradiology support for healthcare institutions.
Are Alpine Diagnostics radiologists licensed doctors?
Yes. Alpine Diagnostics is fully licensed under Swiss medical regulations, and our radiologists are practicing, Swiss-licensed physicians.
Is Alpine Diagnostics an imaging center or hospital?
No. Alpine Diagnostics is not an imaging center and does not perform scans. We focus purely on diagnostic interpretation of existing imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography, etc.).
Is your report a “real” medical opinion or just advice?
Our radiologists can provide an independent primary diagnosis based on the images; the report can serve as a valid medical diagnostic opinion under Swiss law (not just informal advisory feedback).
Do you work with patients worldwide?
Yes. Individuals can request a second-opinion radiology review worldwide through our secure online portal.
Radiology Second Opinion Basics
What is a radiology second opinion?
A radiology second opinion is an independent expert review of your medical imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography) to confirm or revise the initial findings and help you make better-informed treatment decisions.
Why should I get a second opinion on an MRI, CT, or X-ray?
Second opinions can reduce uncertainty, clarify ambiguous reports, and help confirm whether the first reading is complete and accurate—especially before major decisions like surgery or cancer treatment.
Can a radiology second opinion change my diagnosis or treatment plan?
It can. A second interpretation may confirm the original findings or identify additional details that matter for next steps.
Do I need to repeat my scan to get a second opinion?
Usually not. If you already have imaging, you can upload the existing files for re-interpretation without repeating the exam.
Swiss-Quality ReviewIs a second opinion only for serious diseases?
No. Many people seek a second opinion for reassurance, persistent symptoms, unclear findings, sports injuries, preventive scans, or before committing to invasive procedures.
Who the Service Is For (Common Use Cases)
Who typically uses Alpine Diagnostics?
Common profiles include: pre-surgery patients, oncology patients in treatment, expats/medical tourists, sports injury patients, older adults with chronic conditions, women seeking mammography/breast imaging clarification, and longevity-oriented preventive scan clients.
Do you support patients before surgery?
Yes. Many patients request a second opinion before surgery to confirm the imaging diagnosis and reduce the risk of unnecessary or misdirected procedures.
Do you review cancer imaging (oncology second opinions)?
Yes. Cancer patients often use second opinions to confirm findings, monitor treatment response, and ensure changes over time are interpreted correctly.
Do you help expats and medical tourists with scans done abroad?
Yes. Many international patients use Alpine to get a Swiss specialist interpretation of imaging performed in another country.
Do you review sports injuries and orthopedic imaging?
Yes. Sports injury and active patients often request musculoskeletal (MSK) second opinions for joints, ligaments, spine, and complex injuries.
Do you review mammography and breast imaging?
Yes. Women often request second opinions for mammography and related breast imaging to clarify findings and next steps.
Do you review preventive and longevity scans (e.g., whole-body MRI)?
Yes. Proactive patients use second opinions to separate clinically meaningful findings from incidental findings and to get clear next-step guidance.
What You Can Upload (Modalities & Regions)
What types of imaging do you review?
We review common modalities including MRI, CT, X-ray, and mammography (breast imaging).
Do you accept DICOM files?
Yes. The portal supports uploading DICOM images (the standard radiology imaging format), plus supporting documents such as prior reports and medical history.
Can I upload my existing radiology report too?
Yes. Uploading the original report and relevant clinical history helps the radiologist understand context and address specific questions.
What does “one region” mean?
A “region” generally means one body area (example: brain MRI, knee MRI, chest CT). You can add up to two additional regions per report (maximum three total).
Can you review more than one scan?
Yes – within the three-region cap per report (baseline + up to two extra regions).
How It Works (Step-by-Step)
How it works (Step by step)
How do I get a second opinion from Alpine Diagnostics online?
- Order a package via the online shop
- upload imaging and documents securely
- a subspecialty radiologist reviews your case
- you receive a structured report via encrypted delivery
Do I need a doctor referral to order?
The process is designed for direct online ordering by patients. You should still involve your treating physician for medical decisions and follow-up care.
How do you assign my case?
Cases are typically assigned to a radiologist with the relevant subspecialty (e.g., neuroradiology for brain MRI, musculoskeletal radiology for joints/spine).
Will you explain results in plain English?
Yes. Reports are written in clear, accessible language and structured for patient understanding (summary first, then detailed findings). We also support German and Russian.
Can I ask follow-up questions after receiving the report?
Yes. Patients can ask follow-up questions to clarify findings and implications.
Turnaround Times (72h Standard, 24h Priority)
How fast will I get my second opinion report?
Standard delivery is within 72 hours. An expedited 24-hour Priority add-on is available for urgent cases.
What does “24-hour Priority” mean?
It is a faster service level option intended for time-sensitive cases (e.g., upcoming surgery, urgent decision-making).
What if the 24-hour deadline is missed?
If the 24-hour SLA is missed, the CHF 60 Priority speed fee is refunded.
Does the Longitudinal package always qualify for 24-hour Priority?
Priority can be available, but it may be subject to a pre-check for large histories (many prior scans/reports).
Packages & Pricing (Transparent, Formula-Based)
What second-opinion packages do you offer?
Core packages include Alpine Essential, Alpine Conscientious (consensus read), and Alpine Longitudinal (history deep-dive).
What’s included in every package?
All packages include secure upload, Swiss-licensed radiologists, and a structured report in clear language delivered via encrypted link (72h standard).
What is Alpine Essential?
One subspecialty radiologist reviews one region and delivers a structured, plain-language report (72h standard; 24h with Priority). Base price CHF 120.
What is Alpine Conscientious (consensus read)?
Two independent subspecialty radiologists review the case and produce one consensus report (“four-eyes” quality approach). Base price CHF 192.
What is Alpine Longitudinal (history deep-dive)?
Designed for follow-ups and ongoing conditions: it synthesizes prior imaging/reports into a trend-focused interpretation. Base price CHF 240.
How much does the 24-hour Priority add-on cost?
CHF 60.
How much do extra regions cost?
CHF 24 per additional region (maximum two add-ons; total cap three regions).
What is your pricing formula (transparent pricing)?
Price is based on a CHF 120 base unit plus package multiplier and add-ons (Priority 24h, extra regions).
Do prices include taxes or insurance billing?
The provided prices describe the package pricing logic. Insurance reimbursement depends on your insurer and country; many patients treat second opinions as self-pay and use the report with their treating team.
Report Quality, Structure, and Clinical Use
What does an Alpine Diagnostics report look like?
Reports are structured and written in plain language, typically starting with a summary conclusion and then detailed findings referencing the images.
Can I share the report with my doctor or surgeon?
Yes. Many patients use the report to consult with their physician or specialist for treatment planning.
Do you provide unbiased, independent interpretations?
Yes. Alpine Diagnostics focuses on diagnostic interpretation and is not tied to performing procedures, supporting an independent second-opinion approach.
How do you handle complex or borderline cases?
Alpine uses peer review/collaboration when needed—multiple radiologists may confer to minimize oversight (“four eyes see more than two”).
What if your second opinion differs from the original report?
Differences are explained objectively, with evidence from the imaging, so you and your treating team can make an informed decision.
Do you provide recommendations?
Reports can include recommendations or follow-up guidance based on imaging findings and standard radiology practice.
Data Security, Privacy, and Confidentiality
Is Alpine Diagnostics secure for uploading medical images?
Yes. Imaging files and medical records are transferred via encrypted channels and stored on secure servers, in line with Swiss data protection and privacy requirements.
Who can access my scans and documents?
Only authorized medical professionals involved in your diagnostic case access your data.
How do I receive my report?
Reports are delivered via an encrypted link (secure delivery).
Safety and Urgent Findings
What if you discover a serious or unexpected finding?
Alpine has protocols for critical findings: serious unexpected conditions are flagged immediately, and Alpine promptly alerts the referring physician or institution (and can help facilitate urgent follow-up if requested).
Is Alpine Diagnostics for emergencies (e.g., stroke symptoms, chest pain)?
No. If you have urgent symptoms, seek immediate in-person emergency care. A second opinion is a diagnostic interpretation service, not emergency treatment.
Language, International Use, and Accessibility
In which languages do you communicate?
Marketing and core communications are executed in English, German, and Russian to serve key patient demographics (and to support global access).
Can you help if my original report is from another country?
Yes. Many expats and medical tourists request a Swiss second opinion specifically to clarify foreign imaging and reports.
Do you work globally even if I’m not in Switzerland?
Yes. The second-opinion service is online and designed for global patients who already have imaging.
Topic-Specific Questions
Do you offer an MRI second opinion online?
Yes. Alpine Diagnostics provides online MRI second opinions via secure upload and specialist interpretation.
Do you offer a CT scan second opinion online?
Yes. Upload your CT DICOM files and any prior reports for independent re-interpretation.
Do you offer an X-ray second opinion?
Yes. X-ray second opinions are supported as part of Alpine’s radiology interpretation services.
Do you offer a mammography second opinion (breast imaging second opinion)?
Yes. Mammography second opinions are included among supported modalities.
Do you offer second opinions before spine surgery or orthopedic surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgery second opinions are a common use case, especially for spine, joints, and other major interventions.
Do you offer a second opinion for cancer staging or treatment monitoring?
Yes. Many oncology patients use second opinions to validate findings and track changes over time.
Do you review whole-body MRI findings for longevity/early detection?
Yes. Preventive and longevity-focused patients often seek clarity on incidental findings and actionable follow-up.
AI and Future Capabilities
Do you use AI to read scans?
Alpine Diagnostics is exploring AI-assisted diagnostics to augment radiologists (as a “second set of eyes”), with a human-in-the-loop approach where final conclusions remain physician-validated.
FAQ - For Hospitals, Clinics, and Imaging Centers (Institutional Services)
Do you provide teleradiology services?
Yes. Alpine Diagnostics supports institutions with primary reading services via teleradiology and can integrate reports into hospital workflows.
When do hospitals use Alpine teleradiology?
Common scenarios include staffing shortages, capacity surges, off-hours coverage, and access to subspecialty expertise.
Do you offer 24/7 coverage for institutions?
Alpine can support continuous service, including urgent cases during peak or overnight periods, depending on partner setup and regulatory constraints.
Do you provide on-site radiologist support?
Yes. Alpine can dispatch experienced radiologists to work on-site temporarily when institutions face capacity challenges.
Do you provide subspecialty consults for complex institutional cases?
Yes. Institutions can solicit subspecialty second opinions for unusual or highly complex cases.
Are institutional services available internationally?
Licensure requirements vary by country. Alpine primarily provides institutional teleradiology within Switzerland and for international partners in accordance with local regulations.
How do you handle critical findings for institutional reads?
Alpine flags serious unexpected findings immediately and promptly alerts the referring physician or institution.