To schedule your second opinion appointment, call 913-588-1227 or toll-free at 844-323-1227. Our health resource specialists will ask you for your: Contact information (name, address and phone number)
How do I get a second opinion at UCSF?
If you decide to come to UCSF for treatment, you will likely see the same doctor who provided your online second opinion. Nevertheless, you should call the clinic to confirm that this doctor is still the appropriate specialist for your case and is available to meet with you.
Should I get a second opinion for cancer treatment?
Reasons for getting a second opinion include: You want to be sure you have explored all options. You think your doctor is underestimating how serious your cancer is. Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you.
How do I tell my doctor I want a second opinion?
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation: “I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend someone?”
How much does it cost to get a second opinion online?
An online second opinion from UCSF Health costs $700. The following services are included: In rare cases, the doctor reviewing a case suggests another review of imaging tests or pathology reports (such as biopsy results). If this occurs, your personal care coordinator will contact you regarding the additional fees for these services.
How do you get a second opinion on oncology?
Making sense of the second opinionMake an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion.Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan.Ask them how they interpreted your test results.Ask what research studies or professional guidelines they consulted.More items...•
Is it worth getting a second opinion cancer?
Advantages. The benefits of seeing another doctor may include: feeling reassured that different doctors agree on your diagnosis and treatment. having different treatments to choose from when the second doctor offers you a different treatment.
How much does it cost to get a second opinion?
The all-inclusive cost for a virtual second opinion for patients in the U.S. is $1,850. This fee includes: Consultation with your nurse care manager. Medical record collection from doctors and hospitals.
What percentage of cancer patients get a second opinion?
A review of 20 quantitative studies of patients with cancer seeking second opinions found that the rates of seeking second opinions ranged between 1 and 88% [1]. Patients with higher levels of education were more likely to seek second opinions than other patients [1].
Are doctors offended by second opinions?
Getting a second opinion is standard, and experienced doctors know and expect it. This doesn't mean that every doctor will be kind when you request a second medical opinion. A few may get offended, but it may be best to take your business elsewhere if this happens.
How long does it take to get a second opinion?
After these are collected, most patients receive their written second opinions within five to seven business days, depending on the complexity of the case and availability of the specialist best suited to review it. Your Included Health personal care coordinator will keep you updated on the status of your request.
How do I ask my doctor for a second opinion?
How Do You Ask for A Second Opinion?Explain to your doctor that you want to be fully informed about your diagnosis, prognosis and available treatment options and would like a second opinion.Ask your doctor to recommend someone else.If you have a specific doctor in mind, ask for a referral to them.More items...•
How do I seek a second medical opinion?
Contact your health insurance company to find out if your plan will pay for a second opinion. Ask your current doctor or insurance company to recommend another specialist. Or consult a local hospital or clinic, or a medical association that provides a searchable database of specialty doctors.
What should you not tell your doctor?
The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to PhysiciansAnything that is not 100 percent truthful. ... Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic. ... Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock. ... Complaining about other doctors. ... Anything that is a huge overreaction.More items...•
When should you get a second opinion?
“Patients should seek another opinion if they feel uncomfortable with their initial team, if they have a rare cancer that another doctor may have more expertise with, or if they are confused about their diagnosis or treatment options,” she says.
Does Mayo Clinic give second opinions?
As a major referral center, Mayo Clinic sees many patients who seek a second opinion — and for good reason. In a recent study, Mayo researchers found that as many as 66 percent of these patients have their original diagnosis refined and in 21 percent of cases, changed.
Does it matter where you go for cancer treatment?
Make sure the hospitals you are considering have experience treating the type of cancer you have. Your local hospital may be fine for more common cancers. But if you have a rare cancer, you may need to choose a hospital that specializes in your cancer.
How does it work?
Get an online second opinion in four steps: Create an account, then open your case by clicking the green button on the patient dashboard. If you ne...
What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?
You’ll be notified when your completed second opinion is ready for your review. It will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opin...
May I ask the expert follow-up questions after I’ve reviewed my second opinion?
If you desire clarification of the response to one of your submitted questions, and the Included Health doctor is unable to provide it, the Include...
How long does it take?
We do our best to deliver your written second opinion as quickly as possible. The time frame depends on how quickly Included Health is able to obta...
How much does it cost?
An online second opinion from UCSF Health costs $700. The following services are included: Access to a personal care coordinator and staff doctor f...
Will my insurance help pay for it?
Currently, most health plans don’t cover online second opinions or consultations, so patients are responsible for the cost. Payment is due when you...
What if my medical records are in another language?
Medical records must be submitted in English. Please arrange for your records to be translated by a qualified medical translator before submitting...
What should I do once I have the second opinion?
The UCSF Health specialist may agree with your original diagnosis and treatment plan, offering you peace of mind that you’re making the right decis...
Can I add more records, lab reports or images once the review of my case is underway?
Your case cannot be reviewed by an expert until we have received all the necessary records. Regrettably, after the review process has begun, we can...
Who chooses the doctor providing my second opinion?
After carefully reviewing your second opinion request and medical records, our experienced team will determine which UCSF specialist is most approp...
Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?
Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.
Remembering what your doctor says
It’s hard to understand complex information when you are anxious or afraid. And sometimes, without knowing it, doctors use words that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:
The second opinion process: what to expect
Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, you may have to get a second opinion from another doctor who is part of your health plan before the plan will pay for your treatment
Deciding where to go for a second opinion
Let your doctor know if you want to get a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor.
Making sense of the second opinion
Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear . If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful:
What is a breast cancer second opinion?
The Breast Cancer Second Opinion Tumor Board is a second opinion service offered at the Breast Care Center for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This service offers an integrated approach to incorporate a woman's values into the scientific decision-making process.
What is a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are formal, controlled protocols designed to test the effectiveness of new treatments, including novel drugs, types of intervention or combinations of therapy . If you are interested in obtaining more information on specific breast cancer clinical trials available at UCSF, please visit the clinical trial section on the UCSF Breast Care Center website. You also can visit the National Cancer Institute's CancerNet, where you will find access to PDQ, the NCI-sponsored database of clinical trials nationwide.
Is there a pathway to breast cancer screening?
While there are common pathways to screening, diagnosis and treatment within breast care and breast cancer, you must be aware that your individual path may differ from that presented on our web site . It is important to discuss the details of your individual story with your doctor.
How to get a second opinion on a medical condition?
It’s usually safe to take time to get a second opinion. Contact your health insurance company to find out if your plan will pay for a second opinion. Ask your current doctor or insurance company to recommend another specialist.
Why do people give second opinions?
Some reasons people have given are: You want to know every possible choice for treatment. Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you. You have a rare or unusual diagnosis.
How to make sure you are learning about all your options?
One way to make sure you’re learning about all your options is to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Many people do this, and most doctors are comfortable with it.
What happens if the second doctor agrees with the first?
If the second doctor agrees with the first, you can feel more confident this is the best treatment plan for you. If the second opinion is different from the first, these are some things you can do next:
What is a copy of a biopsy report?
If you were in the hospital, a copy of the discharge summary that every doctor prepares when patients are sent home. A summary of your doctor’s current treatment plan.
Is my doctor a specialist?
Your doctor is not a specialist in your condition . You’re having trouble talking with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else. Still, some people feel shy about telling their doctor they want to get a second opinion. Here are some ways to start the conversation:
What Is a Second Opinion?
A second opinion means that you choose to see another doctor or specialist after you’ve received an initial diagnosis or treatment plan for a medical condition. The second doctor reviews your medical history and gives their interpretation of your health. They will give you their view on your diagnosis or treatment plan.
When Should You Get a Second Opinion?
Sometimes your health problems are straightforward, but there are other times when diagnosis and treatment are less clear. Getting a second opinion may helpful when:
How to Get a Second Opinion
The best place to start the process is with your general doctor. If they haven’t offered you a referral to a specialist, ask for one. If you’re already seeing a specialist, ask to see another doctor who has at least the same level of training and expertise and who isn’t their close peer.
What to Say to Your Current Doctor
First, ask your doctor questions about your condition so that you understand what’s happening. Sometimes you might feel uneasy because you need more information, so don’t be afraid to ask more than once. If you need more time than your doctor usually gives you, ask the receptionist to help you schedule a longer appointment.
What to Ask Your Second Doctor
Once you get the appointment for the second opinion, decide what you want to know and what you hope to get from the appointment. Write down your questions before you go, and take them with you.
After Your Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion can help you make better health decisions. If the second doctor agrees with the first, you may decide to return to your first doctor and move forward with your treatment. You can also ask your doctors to work together as a team.
What is a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion may point to a different cancer type, and a review of your genetic profile through advanced genomic testing may uncover a more advanced treatment option not previously considered, or help to confirm your current diagnosis and treatment plan.
How does a second opinion help you?
How a second opinion helps you find the right answers. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you want answers. You want them quickly, and you want them to help empower you to take control of your cancer care decisions.
What do oncologists do?
Our oncologists use a wide variety of standard-of-care and innovative treatment tools and technologies, including precision medicine breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, to attack your specific cancer type, while also offering qualified patients access to clinical trials on potential new treatment approaches.
What is singular focus on cancer?
Our singular focus on treating cancer, and only cancer, means we have the expertise to confirm a diagnosis or treatment plan and offer options that may not have been considered.
What is CTCA whole person care?
At CTCA, our whole-person care model means we’re not just treating the cancer. Our supportive care services are designed to help you manage side effects and improve and maintain your quality of life, so you can feel better while getting better.
How to get a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion can be worthwhile at any point in your cancer journey, but it is particularly valuable if: 1 You have been newly diagnosed and would like a physician with subspecialty expertise in your cancer type to weigh in on your current care plan 2 You have been diagnosed with a rare or unusual cancer, or a cancer that is challenging to diagnose, grade or stage correctly 3 Your cancer is not responding to your current treatment 4 You have recurrent or metastatic cancer 5 You are considering a surgery, procedure or treatment that carries a degree of risk 6 You would like to become more involved and educated about your disease and treatment choices
What is the number to call for a second opinion at a cancer center?
Call 858-822-6100 for more information or to set up an appointment for a second opinion.
What is the best phone number to call for cancer treatment?
Depending on your health care plan, this may be covered by your insurance. Call 858-822-6100 for details.
Is it worth getting a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion can be worthwhile at any point in your cancer journey, but it is particularly valuable if: You have been newly diagnosed and would like a physician with subspecialty expertise in your cancer type to weigh in on your current care plan. You have been diagnosed with a rare or unusual cancer, or a cancer that is challenging ...
Why get a second opinion?
It's vital that you feel good about your treatment choices. A second opinion can help you make your decision and feel good about it.
Is it a problem to get a second opinion?
Many health insurers will pay for a second opinion. And in most cases, a short delay in treatment won't reduce the chance that it will work.
How to get a second opinion
You have a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion. These include:
How much does DeMarsh spend on her breast cancer treatment?
But she still spends about $7,000 out of pocket every year. Her medications and injections costs about $50,000 a month. Most of that is covered by her insurer and the drugmakers’ copay assistance programs. DeMarsh advises other women who learn that they have breast cancer to trust their instincts.
Can you switch doctors halfway through treatment?
Switching doctors can be tricky if you’ve already started your treatment. But even if you’re halfway through your therapy , you may have good reasons to want to try something else or just take a pause if you have a long-term illness like cancer.
Can oncologists shop around too long?
Schapira says in such cases, most oncologists are quick to try or at least accept new approaches. But when swift treatment is needed, shopping around too long may harm your health. The doctors “want to get it right, and they realize they have one chance to get the cancer treated properly,” Schapira says.
