Get a Cancer Treatment Second Opinion
A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and it’s common to feel like you have a million questions about what comes next. You may wonder if your diagnosis is correct. If the treatment plan is the right one. Or if there are options you haven’t explored yet.
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we believe peace of mind is part of your treatment. Getting a cancer second opinion isn’t about second-guessing your current doctor. It’s about making sure you understand every available option and that you have access to every available tool. Whether you’ve been diagnosed elsewhere or want another expert review of your current plan, we’re here to help.
You don’t need a referral to request a second opinion.
A Patient Story: Finding Trust After a Diagnosis
When Holly was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she needed more than a treatment plan — she needed a team she could trust.
That’s why she chose to seek a colorectal cancer second opinion at St. Elizabeth. Here, she found a place where “everybody knows your name” and every patient is treated with dignity and respect.
When to Get a Cancer Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion is a standard and respected part of cancer care. Many doctors encourage it. You may want a cancer second opinion if you:
A specialist at St. Elizabeth will review your diagnosis and help you understand every available option — so you can make an informed decision.
How to Get a Cancer Second Opinion
We make the process easy.
You Don’t Need a Referral
You can call us directly to schedule an oncology consultation or fill out our online form to have a Nurse Navigator reach out to you. While we’re happy to coordinate with your current doctor, a referral is not required.
Nurse Navigators Handle the Heavy Lifting
When you’re facing cancer, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Our Nurse Navigators step in to make things easier. They coordinate your medical records, imaging and pathology so you don’t have to track down paperwork or make multiple calls. They stay in close contact with you and your care team, helping everything move forward smoothly.
Our Nurse Navigators will:
- Coordinate the transfer of medical records from outside health systems.
- Gather imaging such as CT, PET or MRI scans.
- Help schedule your oncology consultation quickly.
- Obtain pathology reports and biopsy results.
A Pathology Second Look Matters
Accurate treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Our specialized oncology pathologists often perform a second look by re-reviewing your original biopsy slides. This fresh evaluation can sometimes lead to a more refined diagnosis, which is the foundation for precise, effective treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Cancer Second Opinions?
In most cases, yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, recognize that second opinions lead to better outcomes and treat them as standard specialty visits.
If you have questions about coverage, our Financial Counselors will review your benefits with you before your appointment. We’ll help you understand any potential costs so there are no surprises. You can also check to see if your insurance plan is accepted.
What Happens During a Second Opinion Consult?
Knowing what to expect can help ease your anxiety — especially when you’re already managing so much.
When you meet with our team, we take the time to truly understand your story. We’ll carefully review your previous test results, imaging and pathology to confirm your diagnosis and stage. Then we’ll sit down with you to talk through every available treatment option — from surgery and radiation to chemotherapy, immunotherapy and precision medicine.
Most importantly, we’ll answer your questions. Clearly. Honestly. At your pace.
You don’t need repeat testing to get started. In many cases, we can begin with the records you already have. If additional precision medicine or genomic health testing could help refine your treatment plan, we’ll explain why and guide you through it.
Our goal is simple. When you leave your appointment, you should feel informed, supported and confident about what comes next.
One Team. One Plan. Focused on You.
When you come to St. Elizabeth Healthcare for a cancer second opinion, you’re not just getting one doctor’s perspective.
A multidisciplinary team reviews each case. Based on your needs, we collaborate with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, pathologists and supportive care experts, all working together to confirm your diagnosis and refine your treatment options. Through our Tumor Board reviews, these specialists make sure nothing is overlooked.
But just as important as collaboration is specialization.
While many health systems rely on general oncologists, our team includes doctors who focus on specific cancer types, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and skin cancer.
Doctors who specialize in a single tumor type stay immersed in the latest research, emerging subtypes and evolving treatment strategies for that cancer. Research shows that many patients prefer oncologists who focus on their specific diagnosis, because experience in that area matters.
This combination of tumor-specific expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration is one reason St. Elizabeth is nationally recognized for cancer care.
We are leaders in early detection — especially lung cancer screening — and recognized as a high-performing hospital for oncology. Our patient satisfaction scores rank in the 99th percentile by Press Ganey, and our physicians are consistently named among Cincinnati Magazine’s top doctors.
For you, that means your care is not only personal and coordinated, it’s trusted and respected across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Cancer Second Opinion
When You’re Ready, We’re Right Here
Find a Doctor or Call
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you deserve clarity and options.
Call (859) 301-4000 to schedule your cancer second opinion.
