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Entries in Second opinion (1)

More on second opinions

Here's a note from a reader:

"Hi Pat-

Do you know about thesecondopinion.org? It's a group of Bay Area volunteer doctors, many retired (including some good ones from Kaiser) who will provide a free second opinion to cancer patients. The patient sends his x-rays,  labs, path reports, etc. (not the results interpreted by their providers, but the originals). The doctors study them and a panel of them meet with the patient and give a thorough second report (which is taped). My friend with breast cancer has been having a terrible time with chemo and was about to quit it but thanks to this group the doctors were able to give her some options so that she now plans to continue treatment. A real life saver, in her case. The group meets in SF but can be contacted via the internet. 
Ann"

The organization Ann is talking about is the Regional Cancer Foundation.  It is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit foundation that was founded by San Francisco Bay Area physician and Olympic Gold Medalist William Lister Rogers. 

According to their website, the organization focuses on a singular objective – providing second opinions to clarify patients' situations so they may make informed and appropriate decisions.   Cancer patients and their families are often overwhelmed by the diagnosis and treatment options.  Trying to access a second opinion via the "health system" can be complex and and, depending on whether you have insurance to cover it or not, it can also be costly.  

For alot of people, it can be difficult, and pershaps scary, figuring out how to get a second opinion. The Regional Cancer Foundation makes it easy.  You download a medical release form from their website and follow the clearly outlined steps to get your medical records transferred, prepare yourself for your consultation, and learn what will happen when you arrive at the center.

Although, the organization prefers to see people in person in their offices, they have provided consultations as far away as Brazil by working with locally based family members.

Now, here is the really unbelievable part.  The Centers second opinion services are free.  That's right, a second opinion for free!  The Center is funded by donations.  The staff and the docs volunteer.  The list of participating physicians is impressive.  Hey, thank heavens, altruism is alive and well in the SF Bay Area medical community.

Read what people who have used the services have to say (from their website):

"Your review of my case was very reassuring. I have had an excellent response to the therapy."

"It is very encouraging to know that the members of the medical community step forward in this way to volunteer their services to the cancer community. In an effort to help continue to make that support available for others, I am enclosing a check for $500 for the foundation.

"My appointment with you was so perfectly timed and has given us great peace that Kaiser is right on track with the treatment I'm getting."

“It is, frankly, extremely surprising to me that this service and such resources are available at no cost. I guesstimate that the time and expertise these doctors afforded me may have been worth two or three thousand dollars. Yet, they charged me nothing. It is hard to believe!”

“Thank you so much for the time you gave my husband and me in December. We appreciate having the opportunity to receive consultation from such prestigious doctors. Your information has been invaluable to help us make the right decision on the course of treatment.”

If you if you have cancer and want a second opinion, check out the Regional Cancer Foundation's Services.  If you are a physician living in the SF Bay area, consider volunteering.  If you have money and want to support a worthwhile organization, write the Foundation a check.

Thanks, Ann, for a great tip.

Pat Salber, MD, MBA


Posted on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 08:14AM by Registered CommenterThe Doctor Weighs In in , , , , , , , | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint