Getting a Second Opinion

When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, it's normal to feel confused and indecisive. It’s important to gather as much information as you can. You’ll likely want more details about your condition, so that you can fully understand all the different treatment options, what treatments are available locally and how you can best receive convenient care.

Even if you’ve been given an initial recommendation for treatment, getting a second opinion about your diagnosis is a reasonable option – and we're here to help.

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained cancer specialists can provide the information that you need to move forward with confidence, peace of mind and the knowledge that your treatment plan is the best one for you.

Preparing for Your Appointment

We want to make the second-opinion process as easy as possible.

Here are your next steps:

  • Some insurance plans may require a physician referral. As you’re exploring options for a second opinion, it’s important to contact your insurance carrier to see if the appointment will be covered.
  • Select the physician you’d like to see, then contact their office to make an appointment.
  • You’ll need to obtain your records, pathology slides and imaging records; our caregivers can always help you.
  • It’s also helpful to gather any outside doctor’s notes and send those to us too.

Our oncology nurse navigators will help guide you through your care journey. They’re available at all our locations, and we’ll assign one to work with you.

Also, we always encourage you to bring one family member or loved one to your appointment if their schedule allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

A second opinion is a separate evaluation of your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Seeking a second opinion allows other physicians to review your medical records and potentially conduct new testing. Then, they provide their input on your diagnosis, suggest a different treatment plan or confirm if the initial treatment recommendation is the best option for you.

Second opinions are offered for medical, surgical and radiation oncology.

There are multiple reasons to seek a second opinion:

  • You might have questions about the side effects of a particular treatment and want to explore other options.
  • Your original physician may not specialize in the type of cancer you have and refer you to a specialist.
  • You might be interested in and want better access to clinical trials.

Overall, a second opinion can confirm your initial diagnosis and help you explore other possible treatment options. It can also provide you with more reassurance and peace of mind as you make decisions about your care.

Providence Cancer Institute of Orange County represents some of the top cancer providers in all of California, practicing the best level of care with the latest technology and expertise. Our Institute integrates three nationally accredited cancer programs at Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange and Providence St. Jude Medical Center into one powerful network with multidisciplinary cancer care teams.

Together, we treat over 8,500 patients annually and participate in more than 1,300 clinical trials. Make sure to ask about the available clinical trials for your diagnosis.

Also, you might want to get a second opinion with a doctor that would allow you to receive treatment closer to home.

An oncology nurse navigator works with the Institute’s multidisciplinary care teams to provide education, emotional support and resources for newly diagnosed and ongoing cancer patients.

They help patients identify any barriers to care and facilitate complex care coordination during the cancer journey. Each navigator has access to complementary programs like physical therapy and rehabilitation, exercise classes, social services, financial assistance referrals and more.

Yes, it’s important to be open and honest with your care team. Almost any oncologist would support and value a second opinion because it provides you with more information.

Sometimes second opinions help patients feel more comfortable and confident in the recommended treatment, regardless of where that treatment is delivered.

It's always important to call your insurance provider and check to see if your appointment is covered. In fact, some forms of treatment might even require a second opinion before they are covered.

If you need assistance, our caregivers and oncology nurse navigators can help.

Yes. If you’re ever feeling unsure about your diagnosis or treatment, or questioning whether it’s right for you, then it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion.

If you’d like to transfer your cancer care to Providence Cancer Institute in Orange County, we’ll work with you to make this transition as easy as possible.

You should check with your medical insurance provider to ensure in-network coverage or ask our caregivers and nurse navigators for assistance.