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Cancer care

Second Opinion

A cancer diagnosis can make you feel like you’ve lost control, but getting a second opinion is one way to get back in the driver’s seat of your own health. Learn our 3 easy steps to get a second opinion.
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What a Second Opinion Can Offer You

Three easy steps to get a second opinion

STEP ONE

Fill out our brief, online, secure Second Opinion Request Form.

The form will take less than five minutes to complete. You'll answer basic demographic questions and provide information on your diagnosis or medical issue. The form is appropriate for those seeking a second or first (primary) medical opinion.

STEP TWO

Within 24 hours, or on Monday after a weekend request, your specialty-trained oncology nurse navigator will contact you for a telephone screening. If appropriate, the nurse navigator will schedule an expedited, in-person physician consult to provide your second opinion and present an individualized care plan.

Many insurance plans cover second opinions. Please contact your insurer to check your insurance coverage.

Fill out our brief, online, secure Second Opinion Request Form.

STEP THREE

Receive your medical opinion.

Patients must be present for an in-person physician consult to receive their medical opinion and individualized treatment plan. Check your insurance coverage; insurers often cover second opinions. Patients may also be required to provide relevant medical records.

The consult may be with one oncologist or a multidisciplinary team, depending on the type of cancer. We have subspecialists who treat nearly every form of cancer.

For certain cancers, we have Multidisciplinary Clinics, where our team of doctors gathers in one consultation room to review, discuss and evaluate your case, and then develop your individualized treatment plan.

Fill out our brief, online, secure Second Opinion Request Form.

Feel confident and in control

Patients, especially those with a serious diagnosis, have the right to seek a second opinion. According to the American Cancer Society, it's common for patients to request a second opinion, so most doctors are comfortable with the idea. Some insurers even require a second opinion for certain diagnoses.

A second opinion can offer:

  • A better understanding of your diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis.
  • A new assessment from a doctor whose approach may be more or less aggressive than your primary physician, and who may know of alternative treatments.
  • Reassurance that the original treatment plan is your best option.

Read our Healthy Driven Cancer Fight blogs

How a second opinion saved one mom's life

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When Laurie Barkdoll was diagnosed with triple negative cancer in October 2009, she sought a second opinion – a move, she believes, saved her life.

Read the blog

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