MSK Remote Second Opinion
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to get a second opinion on your diagnosis and care plan. It may give you comfort and help you feel confident when making choices about your treatment.
Whenever possible, we suggest getting a second opinion from MSK in person. If you do not live within a convenient traveling distance of an MSK location, or if you would like a remote consultation from the convenience of your home, a remote second opinion could be right for you.
In general, remote second opinions are a good option for people who are recently diagnosed or who have already completed chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If you are on active chemotherapy or radiation therapy, we encourage you to complete your treatment before seeking a remote second opinion. Generally, remote second opinions are not recommended for people who are admitted to the hospital or have been recommended for hospice care.
MSK has partnered with the healthcare company PinnacleCare to offer remote second opinions from our team of specialists. An oncologist at MSK will review your medical records, test results, and other materials and give their opinion on your diagnosis. You will not be seen in person by a doctor at MSK, and you will not be considered an MSK patient. A remote second opinion from MSK is meant to help you and your doctor decide on the best treatment plan for you.
What is included in a remote second opinion?
An MSK remote second opinion includes:
- Record collection and case preparation. PinnacleCare will work with you to gather the medical records and materials that the MSK experts will need. They will also ask what specific questions you would like the MSK remote second opinion to address. (If you live outside of the United States, PinnacleCare may not be able to collect your records. If your medical records are not available in English, PinnacleCare will have them translated by a medical translator for an additional fee.)
- Pathology and radiology review. MSK’s world-renowned team of pathologists and radiologists will review your pathology materials and radiology images. This will ensure that you have the most accurate diagnosis.
- Written opinion and care plan. An MSK oncologist who specializes in your disease will review your diagnosis and materials. The oncologist will provide a comprehensive written opinion and care plan that addresses your questions. A copy of the written second opinion will be given to you and your local doctor. A doctor at PinnacleCare will explain the results of the MSK remote second opinion and answer your questions.
Should I consider a remote second opinion?
Whenever possible, we suggest getting a second opinion from MSK in person. If you do not live within a convenient traveling distance of an MSK location, or if you would like a remote consultation from the convenience of your home, a remote second opinion could be right for you.
In general, remote second opinions are a good option for people who are recently diagnosed or who have already completed chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If you are on active chemotherapy or radiation therapy, we encourage you to complete your treatment before seeking a remote second opinion. Generally, remote second opinions are not recommended for people who are admitted to the hospital or have been recommended for hospice care.
What does a remote second opinion cost and will my insurance pay for it?
The price for an MSK remote second opinion is a one-time fee that is paid up front. The out-of-pocket cost you’ll pay depends on your insurance coverage.
If you have health insurance in the United States, your out-of-pocket cost will be $1,500. If you have Medicare, you may receive additional bills for coinsurance, deductibles, or copays. If you do not have insurance, or your health insurance is not issued in the United States, your out-of-pocket cost will be $2,750.
How long does a remote second opinion take?
Our second opinion process is rigorous and comprehensive. The timeline varies depending on how quickly PinnacleCare receives all of your medical records and materials. Typically, your remote second opinion will take about two to four weeks from when we receive your materials.
If you are interested in a remote second opinion from MSK, you can call PinnacleCare at 844-857-3199 or email .