THESECONDOPINION
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Mission Statement
Thesecondopinion offers free, comprehensive second opinion consultations to adults in California diagnosed with cancer. The value that we provide to cancer patients is the opportunity to have 4-7 independent, board certified cancer specialists carefully review their medical records, images and pathology, and communicate directly as a committee with the patient and family. Through this dialogue, the volunteer physicians are able to answer questions directed by the patient, confirm the diagnosis and provide a detailed explanation of the extent of the disease and treatment options. With this approach we are able to provide patients the information necessary to manage their disease, improve their well-being, and to face potentially difficult choices. Not all cancer patients have access to an independent second opinion and if they have insurance coverage, it is often fraught with restrictions that make it very difficult for a cancer patient to seek a timely and comprehensive secondary assessment (especially if they are receiving medical care at a County medical facility). By providing free, comprehensive second opinions we help cancer patients with limited financial resources overcome what are frequent barriers to obtaining access to medical resources and education about their disease. Our service provides cancer patients the same access to medical resources as those who usually have a broader access to medical care, in their language and at their level of understanding.
About This Cause
For over 50 years thesecondopinion has provided free, comprehensive second opinions to over 20,000 adults in California. The heart of our program relies on the volunteer efforts of over seventy board-certified physicians from multiple cancer-related specialties. Their diverse experiences in cancer diagnosis and treatment allow us to provide a patient-centered and compassionate service not duplicated by any other agency in California. How it works: In-person and virtual, multidisciplinary panels of four to seven volunteer physicians review patients’ case records (including pathology slides, radiology images) provide unbiased treatment recommendations, and suggest options for symptom management and supplemental support services. Patients and their families are at the very heart of the discussion, taking part in a shared dialogue and asking clarifying questions. Our approach empowers patients by clarifying the diagnosis and treatment options, and providing the analysis behind the physicians’ recommendations. Whether we agree with the current plan or offer an alternative approach, patients receive the information necessary to move forward and take the best course of action. Thesecondopinion is available to any adult in California, regardless of income, but we give priority to low-income, under-insured and underserved cancer patients, who have limited access to medical resources. A telephone call from a patient or family member is all it takes to get the process started, a referral from a physician is not required. Medical records are needed for a complete review, and we assist in obtaining those records.