Cancer Second Opinions

The Cincinnati Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute offers cancer second opinions for children of all ages, including infants and adolescents, and young adults (up to age 39).

What Is the Benefit of a Cancer Second Opinion from Cincinnati Children’s?

Second opinions help you understand all of the available treatment options and make a more informed decision about which therapy is best. Many people seek out an initial second opinion to validate the treatments offered by their current care team. Others look for second opinions when a cancer hasn’t responded well to initial treatment (refractory cancer) or has returned after treatment (relapsed cancer). As a research hospital, Cincinnati Children’s often has access to new treatments that may not be available at other institutions. Whether finding a more effective therapy or improving quality of life, we’re dedicated to finding the best option for you.

How Do I Get a Cancer Second Opinion?

• Ask your doctor for a referral – Your oncologist or primary care doctor can reach out to Cincinnati Children’s to start the second opinion process.
• Call our referral coordinators – You can call 513-517-2234. The triage nurse will forward you to our referral coordinators. If you call after hours, the referral coordinator will call you back as soon as possible.
• Fill out our online form – You can fill out our online contact form. In the “Requesting” field, choose “Requesting a second opinion.” One of our referral coordinators will follow up with you within two business days.

What Can I Expect During the Second Opinion Process?

At Cincinnati Children’s, we prepare for your second opinion appointment before you arrive. Our specially trained referral coordinators will reach out to you for basic information about the diagnosis. Then, we’ll gather all your medical records for you, including scans, pathology, other test results and information about previous treatments.

After we review your information and records, we will schedule a time for you to meet with our team. If additional scans or tests are needed, they will be scheduled before your second opinion appointment to avoid additional trips to Cincinnati Children’s.

During your appointment, our team will go over your diagnosis and treatment and any new test results. Then, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. We’ll also give you information about where this treatment is available, whether it’s at Cincinnati Children’s or another hospital in your community.

If you choose to have treatment at Cincinnati Children’s, the same care team will remain with you through every step of the process. Our care managers and social workers can also help you with local resources, financial assistance and places to stay.

Do I Need to Bring Anything with Me?

Our team will gather all of your records and test results before you arrive, but we still recommend that you bring any medical records or test results you have on hand. Please also bring your current medications, insurance card(s), custody paperwork and power of attorney documents, if applicable.