What is a Second Opinion Review Panel?
Thesecondopinion provides a unique panel format that allows cancer patients and family members the opportunity to discuss their cancer care with a small group of physicians who volunteer their time and expertise. Review panels are available to any California adult who has been diagnosed with cancer, whether new or recurrent.
Each review panel consists of four to seven volunteer physicians who are board-certified in the medical specialties needed for case review. Our physicians come from a variety of Bay Area medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. Patients receive input from a radiologist, pathologist, radiation oncologist, one or two medical oncologists, and surgical sub-specialists as needed. The panelists are able to provide:
• Independent confirmation of the diagnosis and extent of disease
• A fuller understanding of test results and their significance for the individual
• An evaluation of the existing treatment plan
• Suggestions for alternatives or additions to the existing treatment plan
• Suggestions for additional diagnostic procedures, if indicated
• Information about relevant clinical research protocols
• Ways to improve symptom management
• Suggestions for supplementary support services
• Bridges between patients and providers when gaps in understanding exist
Our Process:
Second opinion panels are conducted at thesecondopinion office located at Gough and Geary Streets in San Francisco. Three patients are seen per session.
Our office personnel help gather medical records for pre-panel review, provide instructions on preparing for the panel, and answer questions about what to expect on the panel day.
Patient case summaries are prepared by the Panel Chair, and are delivered, along with relevant case materials, to physician panel members one week prior to each meeting.
On the day of the panel, the Panel Chair briefly interviews each patient before reviewing all the information with the other physician panelists. The patient and family members then join the panel and participate fully in a discussion whose purpose is to answer questions and address concerns, discuss treatment options and arrive at clear recommendations.
Panel sessions can be taped for the patient to review at a later time and the patient keeps the tape. In addition, after the panel session the Panel Chair writes a second opinion consultation letter, which is sent to both the patient and the treating physicians. This letter can be used as a basis of further discussion between the patient and his or her physician.