A New Approach to Cancer Second Opinions: Overcoming the Challenges of Conventional Oncology Practice by Providing Education to Patients and Physicians.

Second opinions for cancer diagnosis are frequently sought although they are of variable value to the patient and their primary oncologist. The oncology opinion service launched in 2020 without barriers frequently associated with conventional health systems. Financial barriers were removed; neither patient nor insurance was billed. The service is free of charge. Consult-only service provision, without providing therapy, allows objectivity and minimizes competition between oncology practices. Rapid communication with the treating oncologists allows for consensus treatment planning. Surveys were sent to patients and primary treating physicians assessing the value of the service and to assess the patient's experience. Between 1/2020 and 12/2023, surveys were sent to patients and their physicians. 539/1244 patients and 186/1319 physicians returned the completed survey. Surveys were scored from 1 to 5 with 5 being the best. Patient surveys rated "perceived value" at 4.95. Physicians scored "helpfulness" at 4.84. Physicians scored 4.07 for the question "enhances your relationship with patient." This model of providing second opinions offers valuable services to patients and their treating physicians without adding additional financial burden or disturbing their care process.