How It Works
Step 1: Create an account with AccessHope.
- Start by creating your online account.
- Upload any medical records you may have available.
- Submit up to five specific questions to be a part of the written report by the expert oncologist.
- Payment is due at the time of the request.
Step 2: The AccessHope team will gather your needed materials and guide your second opinion request.
- They collect any additional U.S.-based medical records that are needed.
- They then send your medical records and request for a written second opinion to one of Dana-Farber's medical oncology specialists.
Step 3: A Dana Farber medical oncologist provides your second opinion.
- One of our expert oncologists will carefully review your medical records and reports.
- The oncologist then provides a written second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Please note that completion of any second opinion request is subject to Dana-Farber physician availability.
Step 4: The AccessHope team delivers your written second opinion report.
- Your second opinion will be in written form, delivered to you and your local healthcare provider (if you identify one).
- If you decide you want an onsite appointment after reviewing the report, you can ask the AccessHope team to help coordinate. You can call AccessHope at 800-818-4145 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST, or email DFCIExpertSecondOpinion@myaccesshope.org.
Cost, Fees, and Coverage
The cost of an online second opinion from Dana-Farber is $3,000. This covers all services involved in the process:
- Assigning your AccessHope team
- Collecting your medical records
- Providing a written second opinion from a Dana-Farber medical oncologist
- Helping you with in-person appointment referrals
Does insurance cover my online second opinion?
Currently, most health insurance plans do not cover online second opinions. However, you can use funds from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the service. Payment is due by credit card when you request your online second opinion.
The cost of your online second opinion cannot be applied to any bill for an in-person visit. Depending on your insurance plan, an in-person appointment may be covered by your health care coverage. Additional materials may need to be collected for an in-person appointment, including pathology slides, medical records, and imaging. Dana-Farber’s scheduling team will help you with this process.
After Your Online Second Opinion
The Dana-Farber medical oncologist who reviews your case will provide a detailed written second opinion, addressing any specific questions you may have. The online second opinion may:
- Confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan from your initial healthcare provider, reassuring you that you are going in the right direction.
- Agree with the diagnosis in your first opinion, but suggest a different treatment plan or additional treatment options.
- Propose a different diagnosis and recommend an alternative treatment plan.
You should discuss your Dana-Farber online second opinion with your original physician to decide whether or how to refine your diagnosis, treatment plan, or care plan. You will also have the opportunity to request an in-person appointment at Dana-Farber.
Please note that while we strive to provide your written second opinion within 5 to 7 business days after receiving your medical records, completion is subject to Dana-Farber physician availability. In rare cases, due to high demand and physician availability, there may be delays or cancellations to second opinion requests. If we are unable to complete your case, you will be notified promptly, and any fees paid will be fully refunded. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to deliver the highest quality care.
For Treatment at Dana-Farber
If you decide to seek treatment at Dana-Farber, call us at 877-442-3324 to begin the new patient consult process. It may be possible to schedule an appointment with the specialist who provided your online second opinion. You may also need to see other Dana-Farber specialty providers as part of an in-person appointment.
