Remote Second Opinions: Access to the University of Colorado Cancer Center’s Expertise (without the travel)
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with cancer, you may want the opinion of an independent expert to confirm the diagnosis and counsel you on the best plan of action before treatment begins.
Or perhaps you’ve already started treatment, but you're interested in exploring what some of our physicians would recommend in your situation.
In either case, our Remote Second Opinion program may be just what you're looking for.
Overcoming logistical hurdles
While patients are always welcome to travel to the CU Cancer Center to meet with our experts, we recognize the inconveniences of travel, time off work and time away from family.
Our Remote Second Opinion program offers an easier way of getting a medical second opinion from our experts – one that is just as effective as if you met with us in person.
Specialties offering second opinion consultations
Thoracic Oncology
Includes lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, thymoma and thymic carcinoma, small cell cancer in other body sites, chest sarcomas, pulmonary carcinoid tumors, other rare thoracic cancers.
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Cancers including anal, colorectal, esophagus, extrahepatic, liver, pancreatic, small intestine and stomach, as well as gastrointestinal tumors.
Have costs, payment, other questions? Call Bethie Jean-Philippe, our Remote Second Opinions coordinator, at (720) 848-3386 or send her an email. And be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions too.
How does Remote Second Opinion work, and how do I get one?
With Remote Second Opinion, you will connect directly with our physicians who review your individual situation, answer your questions and provide a comprehensive report that you can share and discuss with your family and local practitioner.
Based on the medical second opinion you receive from us, you can decide to come to our facility for treatment, or if you would prefer, stay in your hometown and receive treatment locally.
In addition, after you have connected with us you can request updated opinions as your condition changes.
The process is simple. Please click each step below to learn more.
Step 1: Download & Complete Necessary Forms
Step 2: Assemble Medical Records and Imaging
In order to made our assessment, we'll need to review the following materials:
(1) All clinical notes form the time of diagnosis to present. These include:
- Progress notes
- Lab results
- Radiology reports
- Pathology reports
(2) All scans performed put on disc (ask your radiologist to convert them to Dicom and Viewer formats):
- CT Scans
- MRI Scans
- PET Scans
(3) Pathology slides and tumor block (if you would like it reviewed for an additional cost*).
Please collect these materials, and then go to Step 3.
* Pathology pricing is an estimate and includes the possible cost for additional molecular analyses. Please contact Bethie Jean-Philippe at (720) 848-3386 or send her an email for a detailed breakdown of costs.
Step 3: Submit Materials
Assemble the completed and signed form from Step 1, as well as your medical records and images, into a single packet.
Mail the packet (via regular mail) to:
Remote Second Opinions
Attention: Bethie Jean-Philippe
Anschutz Cancer Pavilion
Mail Stop F704
1665 Aurora Court
Aurora, CO 80045
U.S.A.
Step 4: We Review the Patient Case
Once we receive the packet, our medical team, including a medical oncologist who specializes in your form of cancer, will review and discuss your case thoroughly.
After review, our oncologist will create a written report that will include a confirmation/dispute of your diagnosis, as well as our recommendations for moving forward.
Please note: if our physicians concur with your diagnosis, our recommendation may confirm the treatment plan already outlined for you.
See a sample written report.