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Second Opinions
A second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about your cancer and your treatment options. The more you can learn about your diagnosis and your treatment options, the better chance you have of receiving the most appropriate treatment. With advances in technology, research and clinical trials, more treatment options are available. Getting a second opinion will help you understand these options and help you make an informed decision about which is best for you.
At Maryland Oncology Hematology, our cancer specialists, nurses, and support staff want you to seek treatment where you’re most comfortable. That’s why we encourage patients to seek a second opinion. If you have already talked with a cancer specialist at another practice, please feel free to schedule a second opinion appointment with an oncologist at one of our offices located in Annapolis, Bethesda, Brandywine, Clinton, Columbia, Frederick, Germantown, Hyattsville, Lanham, Laurel, Mt. Airy, Rockville, Silver Spring and Washington, DC
What to Expect During a Second Opinion Appointment
Be sure to bring the following items with you. During a second opinion appointment the oncologist will most likely want to review:
o Your medical records that include the diagnosis and stage
o Most recent blood test results
o Any images such as CTs, MRIs or PET Scans
o Biopsy results
o The treatment plan that’s been recommended
If there is anything else needed, they will order it to be done. Based on the information that’s available to them, the oncologist will tell you if they agree with the recommended treatment plan or if there is something else that they suggest based on their experience, research, publications they’ve read and/or results they have experienced with other people.
In most cases, the second opinion gives patients the confidence they need to start a treatment program. If you feel more comfortable with one particular health care team and their treatment setting over another, we recommend you go there. If you choose the second doctor, it is courteous to tell the first doctor what you’ve decided by calling the office and telling the front desk staff of your decision.
Payment and Insurance
Most insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment. If you’re not sure, ask the scheduler at the second cancer treatment center to check for you and they will let you know if there is a fee that’s different from any other doctor’s visit.