When you’re facing cancer, you want to know you’re making the right decisions about your care. Receiving a second opinion from Sharp HealthCare can offer confirmation that your diagnosis is correct and help you plan the most appropriate course of treatment.
Our second opinion service is intended for patients outside of Sharp, who are seeking another medical assessment for a cancer diagnosis.
How does getting a second opinion at Sharp work?
1
Request a second opinion
Complete this brief online questionnaire or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277). We will ask about your diagnosis and the doctor who is currently leading your care. Please note that in order to offer a second opinion, we will need your permission to contact this doctor to request your medical records.
Once you submit the form, a member of our team will review your information and contact you within 2 business days to discuss whether our program can meet your individual needs.
2
Collect your medical records
With your permission, we will contact the doctor currently leading your care to collect your imaging scans, pathology results and medical records, and then our cancer care team will conduct a formal review.
3
Receive your second opinion
A representative will contact you to schedule a consultation with an oncologist at Sharp.
Why get a second opinion at Sharp HealthCare?
As San Diego’s health care leader, Sharp brings together the science of medicine and the art of caring to deliver The Sharp Experience.
When it comes to cancer care, this means that highly rated oncologists individualize your cancer treatment with the latest therapies. Our team takes the time to understand what’s important to you as a patient — and as a person.
Nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, Sharp offers three comprehensive cancer centers near to where you live and work in South Bay, East County and central San Diego.
Learning you have cancer can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. A second opinion can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis or even a change in diagnosis. You may also learn about innovative therapies and treatment options you didn’t know were available. Getting a second opinion can help give you the confidence to make informed decisions about your care.
In order to provide an accurate second opinion, our care team needs to make a comprehensive review of medical records related to your diagnosis of cancer. These records may include medical notes from your doctors, imaging scans, and lab results.
We assure you that seeking a second opinion is a common practice in cancer care. Your doctors will support your wish to understand all of your care options.
Please contact your health insurance company to see if second opinions are covered by your plan.
Should your insurance not cover the service, the cost for a Sharp HealthCare second opinion is $300.
Have questions about getting a second opinion at Sharp HealthCare?
We’re here for you. Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm to speak with a patient service representative.
San Diego cancer care locations
We offer cancer care at hospitals across San Diego — from South Bay to East County to Kearny Mesa.