Once you’ve decided to get a second opinion, the next step is finding the right specialist and making sure they have the information needed to review your case. “Fortunately, much of the logistics are handled by the institution where you’re seeking the second opinion,” Winer says.
1. Ask How Soon Treatment Needs to Begin
Second‑opinion appointments aren’t always available right away, and it may take some time to coordinate the transfer of your medical records. Ask your oncologist how long it’s medically safe to wait so you can plan the consultation without delaying necessary care.
2. Search for a Gynecologic Oncologist
Look for a gynecologic oncologist rather than a general oncologist. These physicians have additional training in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer.
“The best choice may depend on the specific type of ovarian cancer you have,” Winer says. “For example, patients with rarer tumor types may benefit from seeing someone who has particular expertise in that disease.”
A helpful starting point is the OCRA Find a Doctor tool. You can also search the websites of major academic medical centers and NCI-designated cancer centers, or call the NCI Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237) for help finding a specialist.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider
In most cases, the second-opinion center will verify your insurance coverage, but confirming your benefits yourself can help you avoid unexpected expenses.
- Are second-opinion consultations covered?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
- Are the cancer center and the physician in my provider network?
- Do I have coverage for an out-of-network specialist?
- What would I be expected to pay?
Write down the representative’s name and any confirmation or reference number you receive. If the specialist is out-of-network, contact the cancer center to ask about estimated costs, payment options, and financial assistance.
4. Contact the Second-Opinion Center
Tell the scheduling team that you have recurrent ovarian cancer and want another opinion about your treatment options.
Some questions to ask include:
- How soon can I be seen?
- Does the physician treat my specific type of ovarian cancer?
- Is an in-person visit required, or can I have a virtual consultation? (This is especially helpful if the center you prefer is far from you.)
- What medical records are required?
- Will the center request my records?
If the first available appointment is too far away, find out whether the center keeps a cancellation list or has another qualified gynecologic oncologist who can see you sooner.
5. Gather Your Medical Records
The second-opinion center can often request your records after you sign a release form. Ask which documents you should collect or send yourself. Wingo recommends providing as much relevant information as possible so the specialist can fully review your case.
This may include:
- Pathology reports and, if requested, the original glass or digital slides or tissue blocks
- Imaging reports and the actual images from computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or ultrasound scans
- Operative reports from previous surgeries
- Laboratory results, including changes in your cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level
- Results from genetic and tumor biomarker testing
- Hospital discharge summaries
- A list of your current medications, supplements, and allergies
- Consultation notes from your current oncologist and other specialists
- Your current oncologist’s treatment recommendation
6. Create a Short Treatment Timeline
If possible, jot down a treatment timeline to help the oncologist giving the second opinion understand what has happened so far. Include:
- When you were diagnosed
- When you had surgery or other procedures
- Which treatments you received and when
- When and how the recurrence was found
If you don’t remember every detail, that’s okay; your medical records can help fill in what’s missing. Bring a written list of questions (discussed below), and consider asking someone you trust to attend the appointment with you and help take notes.
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