COLLEGE STATION, Texas — John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, today announced a new medical benefit — not currently available to any other university system in the nation — to make it easier and quicker for eligible System employees, retirees and their dependents to obtain an optional second medical opinion at no additional cost to them.
“Unfortunately, some of our employees, retirees or their loved ones will face difficult medical choices at some point in their lives,” Chancellor Sharp said. “This free benefit will give them access to a second opinion, if they wish to seek one, from some of the finest doctors in the country. We are proud to be the first public institution in Texas to offer 2nd.MD to our employees.”
Dr. Emily Cutrer, President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, noted, “What a privilege to be a part of a System that places such a high priority on the health and well-being of its employees and their families. Once again, The Texas A&M University System is leading the way in implementing cutting edge services and technology to meet the needs of its valued employees.”
The Texas A&M University System has partnered with 2nd.MD, a Houston-based company, to provide access to more than 300 nationally-recognized, board-certified medical specialists from institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic. The specialists can offer a second opinion at an employee’s request, whether it’s for a recent diagnosis, when considering surgery or evaluating a change in treatment or medication, usually within 72 hours of contacting 2nd.MD.
After a specialist reviews a patient’s health records, the patient can consult the doctor at an agreed upon time either by phone or video conference. Employees, retirees and their dependents covered by the A&M Care Plan, J Plan or 65+ Plan will receive the new benefit.
“We could not be prouder to be adding a remarkable academic institution like the Texas A&M System, our first, to our innovative client list,” said Clint Phillips, 2nd.MD founder and CEO. “Not only will 27,000 A&M families enjoy unprecedented medical support but A&M is also providing a model for many leading academic institutions to follow.”
While the Texas A&M University system is 2nd.MD’s first educational institution, the company’s many corporate clients include Starbucks, La Quinta and H-E-B grocery stores.
About the A&M System
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.8 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies, two service units and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 135,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research expenditures exceed $820 million and help drive the state’s economy.
