Getting an evaluation at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center matters — because getting it right from the start matters.
Before you make any further decisions regarding your cancer treatment or surgery, you owe it to yourself to make sure that the treatment plan and the experts delivering it are right for you. What we offer:
With nearly 300 physicians, we have an expert who specializes in your cancer.
We analyze your tumor at the molecular level and have some of the only treatments to target what we find.
The latest advances may mean less invasive options, better outcomes and higher quality of life.
We understand that a new cancer diagnosis comes with immense stress and uncertainty. Take a moment. Breathe. Then speak with our team — we're here to guide you every step of the way
How a second opinion at Roswell Park can help
- Your diagnosis might change — and that changes everything.
Our pathologists review the diagnostic slides of every new patient and in 11% to 18% of cases, we discover a different diagnosis — findings that may significantly alter your treatment plan and overall outlook. - You may need treatments not available elsewhere.
Our specialists offer innovative options such as advanced endoscopic and robotic surgeries, precision therapies based on your tumor’s DNA, cellular therapies, theranostic treatments, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, histotripsy, HIFU and more. - You may benefit from less intensive treatment.
A second opinion can help you avoid unnecessary treatment or reduce the intensity of the therapy you need. In many cases, we can offer minimally invasive approaches that shorten recovery time, reduce side effects and help you maintain quality of life. - You may qualify for clinical trials offering next-generation therapies.
Roswell Park offers 300+ clinical trials, with new opportunities opening regularly. These studies offer early access to promising drugs and treatment strategies.
How to get a second opinion
Step 1 – Connect with us
Call us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or fill out our online form and a Patient Access representative will call you within two business days.
Step 2 – Gather your information
We will explain how to arrange for the medical records associated with your diagnosis, including imaging, pathology and other test results, to be sent to us.
Step 3 – Schedule your visit
We aim to schedule your second opinion appointment within five days, depending on medical records, insurance, and specialist availability. We know this is important and will guide you through each step to get your appointment as soon as possible.
FAQs
Check below for answers to more common questions about getting a second opinion.
Yes, you have time for a second opinion. At Roswell Park, most patients who need a second opinion are seen within a week.
We understand the urgency of a cancer diagnosis and your desire to move quickly. However, very few diagnoses require that treatment occur immediately. The fastest treatment is not always the best treatment, and you owe it to yourself to take time now to ensure your treatment plan is the right one for you.
No, it’s not too late. A second opinion can help you learn more information about your cancer or refine your treatment plan. If you decide you want to switch your care to Roswell Park, we are here to make the transition as seamless as possible. Call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355).
Good doctors welcome second opinions, and some insurance companies even require it. Telling your doctor that you’d like a second opinion makes it easier for the consulting physician to discuss your condition with your doctor and obtain additional information that may be needed.
Many people travel from across the nation to receive care at Roswell Park. If you live far away, we will make your visit with us worth every mile, streamlining your appointments and testing, assisting with accommodations, and arranging for some of your care closer to home through our Roswell Park Care Network and affiliations across the state.
If you are traveling from outside the U.S., our International Medical Concierge program can help.
Even within common cancers, there are many subtypes, genetic differences and staging nuances. A second oncologist may interpret your imaging or pathology differently,details that change staging or recommend a more tailored therapy.
Cancer care also evolves constantly and while clinical guidelines are standard (in fact Roswell Park experts serve on the panels that write them) comprehensive cancer centers adopt new approaches earlier, have experts with deeper experience with particular subtypes, and trials, technologies, and drug approvals shift quickly. A second opinion at Roswell Park can tell you if you're truly getting the most up-to-date option.
Even when your second opinion agrees with your first, knowing that two experts agree gives many patients real confidence while starting therapy. That mental grounding matters.
Rare and complex cancers can be more challenging to diagnose and treat, and there are fewer doctors who specialize in them. The fact that these cancers are less common also makes them harder to study, so fewer therapies are available overall.
Getting a second opinion for a rare cancer at a comprehensive cancer center gives you access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, with deep expertise in unusual cases, and the resources — latest technologies, cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials — to treat them.
In most cases, no — you do not need to worry. Very few cancer diagnoses require that treatment begin immediately, and taking a short amount of time to get a second opinion will not compromise your care. In fact, it can be one of the most important steps you take.
The fastest treatment isn’t always the best treatment. Taking a little time now helps ensure the plan you choose is truly the right one for you — medically and personally. At Roswell Park, most patients seeking a second opinion are seen within about a week, which means you can move forward quickly and confidently.
Most insurance plans do cover second opinions for serious conditions like cancer, as they are often considered medically necessary. Many plans cover these evaluations as long as certain requirements are met — for example, using an in‑network specialist, providing a referral, or obtaining prior authorization before the visit.
Coverage varies by insurer, so the best way to avoid unexpected costs is to check your plan’s requirements. Some policies fully cover second opinions, while others require pre‑approval or limit coverage for out‑of‑network providers. Patients with Medicare may also have coverage for second opinions related to medically necessary procedures.
If you’re unsure, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether a cancer‑related second opinion is covered and whether any referrals or authorizations are needed.
Hear from our patients
From seeking less-invasive treatment options, or even traveling from hours away, hear some of the reasons why some of our patients went to Roswell Park for a second opinion.
