Medical Records & Second Opinions

International patients seeking specialized treatment or a second opinion in Korea may be asked to provide medical records before an appointment can be arranged.

Well-organized medical information can help the hospital understand your condition and determine the appropriate department or specialist.

RECORDS YOU MAY NEED

Depending on your condition, a hospital may request:

• Medical summary
• Diagnosis and treatment history
• Laboratory results
• CT or MRI images and reports
• X-rays
• Ultrasound results
• Endoscopy reports
• Pathology reports or related information
• Surgery records
• Current medication list

Only provide documents relevant to your medical condition and requested care.

SECOND OPINIONS

Patients may seek a second medical opinion when they want another specialist to review an existing diagnosis or treatment plan.

This can be particularly relevant for:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurological conditions
• Complex surgery
• Spine and orthopedic conditions
• Rare or difficult-to-diagnose diseases
• Other complex medical conditions

A second opinion does not automatically mean that the original diagnosis or treatment was incorrect.

CONTACT THE HOSPITAL FIRST

Before sending medical records, contact the hospital's International Healthcare Center or appropriate international patient department.

Ask:

Which records are required?

Which file formats are accepted?

Is translation necessary?

How should imaging files be submitted?

Can the case be reviewed before travel?

Requirements vary by institution and specialty.

MEDICAL IMAGING

CT, MRI and other imaging data may be important for specialist review.

Hospitals may have specific procedures for receiving large digital imaging files.

Follow the hospital's official instructions rather than sending sensitive medical information through unapproved channels.

PATHOLOGY MATERIALS

For some cancer or other specialized cases, additional pathology information or materials may be requested.

Requirements can be highly specific.

Do not ship original medical materials internationally unless the receiving hospital has provided clear instructions.

TRANSLATION

Some hospitals may accept records in English, while others may have different requirements.

Confirm whether translation is necessary before paying for professional translation services.

PROTECT YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION

Medical records contain sensitive personal information.

Use secure submission methods specified by the hospital and keep copies of important documents for your own records.