Second opinion panels are conducted at thesecondopinion office located at Gough and Geary Streets in San Francisco. We hold three panels a month, with three patients and family members attending each session. Our office personnel gather medical records, provide instructions on how to prepare for the panel, and answer questions about what to expect on the panel day. Patient case summaries and relevant case materials are prepared by the Panel Chair, and are delivered to the volunteer physician panel members one week prior to each meeting.

On the day of the panel, the Panel Chair briefly interviews each patient and then reviews the case material information with the physician panelists, who discuss their thoughts, concerns, and individual recommendations. The patient and their invited family members then join the panel and participate in a discussion whose purpose is to review the  situation and their choices,  answer their questions,  address their concerns, and  arrive at clear  recommendations.  The panel session is recorded and the MP3/CD is emailed/given to the patient to keep.

After the panel, the Panel Chair writes a letter summarizing the consultants’ findings and opinions, which is reviewed by the physician panelists prior to being sent both to the patient and, with the patient’s consent, to the treating physician(s).

The consultation letter can be used as a basis for further discussion between the patient and his or her physicians.

Follow-Up:

We ask patients to fill out a follow-up survey after they have had the opportunity to reflect on the service provided and the information received. In addition we may contact patients in the future to find out how things are going

You may feel concerned that your doctor will be offended if you decide to seek advice from another healthcare professional, and that is perfectly understandable.

A second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about your cancer and your treatment options.

A good doctor understands that many patients seek another opinion. They will want their patients to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. Confidence in your physician and their recommendations insures the best outcome for your treatment. A doctor insulted by your choice to get another opinion may not be someone you’d like to treat with in the future, as this is a common practice.

Often times, the more you can learn about your diagnosis and your treatment options, the better chance you have of receiving the most appropriate treatment. Cancers are now more treatable than ever before, but there are also many more treatment options and more complicated procedures. Getting a second opinion will help you understand these options and help you make an informed decision about which is best for you.

Second opinions will not offend competent physicians. Second opinions will, however, provide necessary reassurance to you and your family and ultimately allow you to receive the most appropriate therapy.

Save time by downloading the New Patient Forms below before calling us or emailing us. Click the appropriate language English, Spanish, or Chinese remember we are primarily native English speakers in the office, so please ask a friend to help you complete the forms and to speak for you if you need help communicating.

If you are approved for a panel appointment, we may have the resources to provide you with an interpreter in your native language if requested.

Instructions:

• Click and download one of the New Patient Form links below in the appropriate language, English, Spanish or Chinese.
• Print and Complete in English.
• Attach all forms to an email and send to mail@thesecondopinion.org, fax: 415-346-8652, snail mail to thesecondopinion, 1200 Gough Street, Mezzanine #500, San Francisco, CA  94109.
• IMPORTANT: Patient signature is necessary on Forms 1 and 3.
• You need Adobe Reader (FREE) to view the documents. Click here to (easily) download it.

New Patient Forms 2016 PDF

New Patient Forms Spanish 2015 PDF

New Patient Forms Chinese 2015 PDF

Our Medical Director or Panel Chair will do a preliminary evaluation as your records arrive, and we may contact you to make sure your case is appropriate for our service. We make an initial estimate of your panel date after you register, and schedule you when we have the necessary records.

How Do I Get Medical Records? Sometimes obtaining medical records can be a daunting process. If you prefer, we will do this for you after we receive your signed Registration and Authorization Form, your Patient Health Information Release Form and the other three forms requested on the Information sheet.

When Are My Records Reviewed? As information arrives, your records are submitted for an initial review to the Panel Chair or our Medical Director. At least one week prior to your panel date, your records are copied and sent, along with a case summary, to the physicians who will be sitting on your panel.

How Often Do Panels Meet? We try to schedule three panels a month, with three case reviews per panel.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Panel Date? Once you officially complete In-Take, we estimate the availability of panel doctors whose special expertise may be needed for your case as well as our current commitments. While we make every effort to expedite accumulating the needed information, it may take two weeks or more.

How Do I Prepare for a Panel? We suggest that you prepare a short list of questions-usually three to five-that address your most important concerns. Bring a friend or family member with you as an extra pair of ears, as well as a blank disc (CD-R) for us to record the session. You may also provide your own recording device.

What Happens on Panel Day? You will be interviewed briefly by the Panel Chair to discuss any new information that you may have. A physical exam will not be performed. A light lunch is served while you await your turn to be invited into a private room to meet with your Review Panel physicians. You and they will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options and address your questions and concerns.

What If I Cannot Remember the Details? Your session will be digitally recorded, you will receive a disc(CD-R) or MP3 recording of the entire discussion for your review later. We do request that if you would like a disc recording, please bring us a CD-R to record on. In addition, the Panel Chair will write a summarizing consultation letter, which will be sent to your requested physicians, and you will receive a copy of the letter.

Is It Possible I Won’t Qualify For Your Service? We occasionally receive requests for consultations from individuals whose situation does not fit within our areas of expertise or who otherwise do not qualify. In those cases we try to help you find a suitable alternative.

Can I Come Back for Another Opinion in the Future? While most people come to see us only once, we are always willing to consider providing another review at a later date.