When you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition, you want as much expertise as possible on your side. Getting a second opinion from a team of specialists can provide just that — and you might be able to do it all in one visit. Many healthcare systems now offer second opinion clinics focusing on specific diagnoses, from depression to sports injuries to heart disease.
At OhioHealth, two such clinics include the Multi-Specialty Second Opinion Breast Cancer Clinic and the Prostate Cancer Second Opinion Clinic.
Both clinics are offered free of charge. The breast cancer clinic is for anyone who has been diagnosed, at any stage of care or after a recurrence. The prostate cancer clinic is for those who have been diagnosed but have not yet started treatment.
These clinics offer a chance to meet with multiple specialists without the need for separate visits at different locations. Both have excellent patient satisfaction ratings and good relationships with referring physicians (although no doctor referral is required). In fact, most doctors welcome a chance to gain insights from other specialists.
Breast Cancer Second Opinion Clinic
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, consider a visit to the OhioHealth Multi-Specialty Breast Cancer Second Opinion Clinic. The service is offered from noon to 3 p.m. every Wednesday.
The team includes a:
- Surgeon
- Plastic surgeon
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Pathologist
- Radiologist
- Fertility specialist (as needed)
- Genetic counselor
- Breast health nurse
- Breast cancer survivor volunteer
First, you will be matched with a lead physician based on specific needs. This physician will find out about your medical history, do a physical, and ask what questions or concerns you have. The lead physician then presents the case to the entire team, and the team reviews all lab reports or imaging studies. The team meets with you and then with each other to prepare a treatment plan, which they share with you and your referring physician.
To find out more about OhioHealth’s Multi-Specialty Breast Cancer Second Opinion Clinic, call (614) 566.4321 or 1 (800) 752.9119 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prostate Cancer Second Opinion Clinic
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you can get a second opinion from OhioHealth’s Prostate Cancer Second Opinion Clinic. This service meets the third Thursday of every month and includes a:
- Urologic surgeon
- Radiation oncologist
- Medical oncologist
- Physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor therapy
- Genetic counselor
First, you’ll receive a packet in the mail to prepare for the visit. When you come to the clinic, the nurse coordinator will conduct a distress screening to determine your biggest concerns — family, finances, appearance or some other aspect of the disease or treatment. Then each doctor will spend about 20 minutes with you. Afterward, the nurse coordinator will prepare a full report. A week later, the coordinator will follow up to be sure all your questions and concerns have been addressed. The goal of this clinic is to give you the information you need to confidently move forward with the treatment plan that’s right for you.
To learn more about the Prostate Cancer Second Opinion Clinic, call (614) 566.4321.
Get a Second Opinion
Whatever your illness or condition, there’s a good chance that a focused team of specialists can help provide information about treatment options and peace of mind. Not all such clinics are offered free of charge, but insurance or Medicare will often cover the cost. In fact, some payors require a second opinion for certain conditions, procedures or circumstances. Ask your doctor, or conduct your own online search for one.
