Independent Second Opinions

Take Control of Your Healthcare with Doctus

We turn complex diagnoses into clear, actionable insights that help you feel confident in your care and decisions. A second opinion is not questioning your doctor, it's empowering your care.

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More Minds… Better Medicine

Welcome to Doctus, an independent team dedicated to providing evidence-based medical second opinions. That confidence empowers you to engage more fully in your health — leading to better outcomes.

Our goal is to strengthen, not replace, your relationship with your doctor. Your best outcome should be the shared goal of every member of your healthcare team. Simply put, More minds…Better medicine. That's what Doctus is all about.

Dr. Adam Gelrud, MD

Dr. Adam Gelrud, MD

Founder & Board-Certified Internist

"A second opinion is not questioning your doctor, it's empowering your care."

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Our dedicated team thrives on collaboration, and we look forward to understanding your unique goals and challenges. Feel free to reach out through the form on this page, and let's take the first step towards a healthier you.

You may receive marketing and promotional materials. Contact us for our privacy practices.

Values & Principles

The foundation of everything we do

🎯

Mission

To provide independent, evidence-based medical second opinions that distill complex illnesses into clear, actionable insights. This empowers patients to better understand their health, leading to improved collaboration with their treating clinicians, more confident healthcare decisions, and enhanced overall health outcomes.

🔭

Vision

To be the trusted partner for patients and their treating clinicians in navigating complex medical decisions, providing clear guidance, fostering collaboration, and supporting confident healthcare choices that improve overall health outcomes.

Our Core Values

Clarity Through Expertise

We turn complex medical information into clear, actionable insights, enabling patients and clinicians to make informed decisions with confidence.

Integrity in Guidance

We deliver objective, evidence-based recommendations free from conflicts of interest, building trust with patients and their treating providers.

Partnership for Better Decisions

We collaborate with patients and clinicians, enhancing — not replacing — the existing doctor–patient relationship, and supporting better outcomes through shared decision-making.

Who Is Dr. Adam Gelrud?

Board-Certified in Internal Medicine & Four-Time "Top Doc" Winner

Dr. Adam Gelrud, MD
★ Four-Time "Top Doc" Winner

Adam Gelrud, MD

Board-Certified in Internal Medicine

With over 22 years of experience caring for patients across hospital and outpatient settings in the Richmond area, I specialize in complex medical cases and population health — helping high-risk patients achieve better outcomes.

I'm passionate about making complex medical issues easier to understand so patients feel confident, informed, and empowered in their healthcare decisions, which leads to enhanced overall outcomes.

This is why I created Doctus.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation and get the clarity you deserve.

Contact Dr. Gelrud

Payment Model

At Doctus, we believe clarity and transparency are essential

Educational Consultations

Reduced Rates
tailored to your specific needs

For patients seeking help understanding a diagnosis, test results, or treatment options — without a second opinion on accuracy — we offer reduced rates. Please contact us for details, as these are tailored to your specific needs.

Retainer Option

Custom
ongoing access at a preferred rate

For individuals or families who wish to maintain ongoing access to Doctus physicians for continued guidance, we offer retainer-based packages. These provide flexibility, continuity, and priority access at a preferred rate. Please contact us for details.

We accept major credit cards, electronic bank transfers, Zelle, and personal checks.
You will only be billed once a physician begins your review. All data is stored using HIPAA-compliant, encrypted systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Second Opinions

What exactly is a medical second opinion?

A second opinion is when a physician outside your current care team reviews your diagnosis or treatment plan and provides an independent assessment. At Doctus, we focus on evidence-based, clear, and actionable feedback.

How is a second opinion different from a regular doctor visit?

Unlike a clinic visit, a second opinion focuses on review and analysis — we interpret your records, test results, and imaging to ensure your diagnosis and treatment plan align with current medical evidence.

What scenarios could trigger one to consider a medical second opinion?
  • You are unsure if this consult is a good fit for you or your loved one
  • You are looking for education only on your condition or medications
  • You disagree, don't understand or are uncomfortable with your doctor's diagnosis or treatment approach
  • You have a serious or rare condition and want another opinion
  • You're considering surgery or have multiple treatment options to choose from
  • Your current treatment is not effective or has potentially serious side effects
  • Your doctor says you don't have any options remaining
  • You are unsure if your diagnosis is correct or if there is an alternative diagnosis
  • You want to understand more about your condition and what is causing it
  • You want more time understanding the risks and benefits of your treatment options
  • You would like more clarity on your prognosis

Payment & Pricing

How much will my review cost in total?

Most patients require 1–2 hours in total, depending on the complexity of their records and questions.

How does payment actually work?

For a full second medical opinion, we will ask for the first hour of pay up front, and if additional fees are generated due to time beyond that first hour, payment will be due prior to the final discussion of recommendations.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, electronic bank transfers, Zelle, and personal checks.

What if I just need help understanding my diagnosis or results?

For purely educational consultations — where we help you understand your disease, test, or treatment but do not offer a formal opinion on accuracy — we offer a lower rate. You can request this option when booking.

Do you offer ongoing support?

Yes. Patients or families who prefer ongoing access to Doctus physicians can enroll in a retainer model, which provides continuity, follow-up, and priority scheduling at a preferred rate.

Is there a cost to submit my information or records?

No. You will only be billed once a physician begins your review and consultation process. All medical data is stored and transmitted using HIPAA-compliant, encrypted systems.

Process & What to Expect

What information do I need to provide?

You'll upload or share your medical records, imaging, lab results, and any relevant history. The more complete your submission, the more accurate and useful your second opinion will be.

Will you see me in person or virtual?

Appointments are available in person or virtually, depending on your location.

Can you prescribe medications or order tests?

No. Doctus is not a replacement for your primary care or specialist provider. We focus on interpretation, education, and evidence-based recommendations — not direct treatment.

Will Doctus contact my current doctor?

Only if you request it. Many patients prefer we remain independent, while others appreciate a collaborative approach. It is completely your decision; you are in control.

How long does the process take?

Most opinions are completed within 3–5 business days to include the interview between you and the provider. Complex cases may take longer — we'll always update you on timelines.

Outcomes

What if the second opinion agrees with my original diagnosis?

That's good news — it provides peace of mind and confidence in your care plan. If differences arise, we'll explain them clearly and reference supporting evidence.

What happens after I receive my second opinion?

You'll receive a written summary and the option to schedule a follow-up discussion to review findings, next steps, or questions which you can relay to your treating physician.

Can Doctus help coordinate next steps?

We can provide guidance and education to help you discuss findings with your current care team, but we do not directly coordinate care or referrals at this time.

Contact Us

Our dedicated team thrives on collaboration, and we look forward to understanding your unique goals and challenges. Feel free to reach out and let's take the first step towards a healthier you.

You may receive marketing and promotional materials. Contact us for our privacy practices.