Second Opinion
Second opinion at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
How it works
Fully online. No visit required — you upload records and submit up to 3 questions; a Dana-Farber medical oncologist provides a written opinion.
Cost
$3,000 flat fee. Typically not covered by insurance, but HSA/FSA eligible.
Turnaround time
7–14 business days after records collection is complete.
What's covered
Medical oncology only — covers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and systemic therapy questions. Surgical and radiation oncology cases are not reviewed through this program.
When this is a good fit
Best suited for patients who need a systemic-therapy opinion on a confirmed diagnosis and want it reviewed by a subspecialty Dana-Farber medical oncologist without traveling.
When to consider other options
Cases where surgical or radiation oncology input is the main question. Cases requiring a physical examination.
How to request
Related guides
Self-referral process, documents to gather, insurance rules.
Virtual oncology second opinion: what to expect →How remote record review and video consultation work.
Does insurance cover cancer second opinions? →Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO, HMO coverage rules.
Second opinion cost comparison →What major centers charge and insurance coverage.
How to request your medical records →HIPAA right-of-access steps. Required before any second opinion.
All NCI-designated cancer centers →72 centers with state browser and CMS quality ratings.