Second Opinion
How to get a cancer second opinion
Getting a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis or treatment plan is routine — not adversarial. Peer-reviewed studies have found that second opinions change the diagnosis or treatment recommendation in 10–30% of cases. Most top cancer centers offer virtual second opinions; many are covered by insurance or available at a flat fee.
Why consider a second opinion
Rare or complex cancer
Diagnoses and treatment options for less common cancers vary meaningfully across institutions.
Pathology review
Pathologists sometimes disagree. A Johns Hopkins review found second pathology review changed the diagnosis in 11% of cases. Source.
Choosing between treatments
Different specialists weight surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy differently.
Clinical-trial access
You may want access to a trial that is not open at your current institution.
Confidence in the plan
Before starting months of treatment, an independent review can confirm the plan is sound.
Virtual vs in-person
Document-based. You submit pathology slides, imaging, and records; the reviewing institution sends a written opinion within 1–2 weeks. No travel. Usually a flat fee; many insurance plans now cover them.
Includes a physical exam and typically a tumor-board review. More thorough but requires travel and usually a longer wait.
For most patients, virtual is the right first step. If the virtual opinion raises questions or proposes a very different plan, then travel for an in-person consultation.
How to request a virtual second opinion
- 1
Pick the center
Ideally an NCI-designated cancer center with specific expertise in your cancer type.
- 2
Contact their intake team
Most centers have a dedicated portal. Major programs include MSKCC, Dana-Farber, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins.
- 3
Gather your records
Pathology report, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), operative notes if any, treatment history, and your current oncologist’s contact info.
- 4
Submit and wait
Most programs return a written opinion within 2 weeks. Some faster for urgent cases.
- 5
Discuss with your local oncologist
The second opinion is a tool for shared decision-making — not a replacement for your care team.
What does it cost?
Costs vary widely by center. Virtual second opinions are typically in the range of several hundred to a few thousand dollars when self-pay. Many plans cover some or all of the cost — call your insurance to confirm before submitting.
If cost is a barrier, patient advocacy nonprofits including the Patient Advocate Foundation and CancerCare may help cover it.
Programs at major cancer centers
Cost, format, and turnaround differ a lot. Verify pricing on each hospital's page before you submit.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute →
Online Second Opinion Program (powered by AccessHope)
$3,000 flat fee
Cleveland Clinic →
MyConsult Virtual Second Opinion
$1,690 for Concierge VSO (written report only)
MD Anderson Cancer Center →
Second Opinion Appointments (in-person)
Billed as a comprehensive new-patient evaluation through your insurance
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) →
Second Opinion Consultation (appointment-based)
MSK appointments: billed through your insurance when eligible, or billed directly
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center →
Second Opinion Consultation
Published ranges are approximately $500–$2,500 for remote consultations, depending on specialty and complexity
Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center →
Pathology Second Opinions + Specialty Consultations
Pathology slide review: fee varies by institution practice