If you or your loved ones have concerns about the care you have received for a breast problem, whether it’s a lump, and abnormal mammogram or biopsy proven breast cancer, consideration should be given for a second opinion. Unfortunately, obtaining a quality second opinion in a timely manner can be challenging. Our second opinion program has undergone 25 years of evolution, and is currently one the countries premier second opinion programs. We currently have an organized approach that emphasizes what we believe to be the key elements of an effective second opinion program: Quality, Coordination, and Timeliness.

Quality :
Each of our centers has a coordinated team of breast care specialists.  (see individual center for more information.)  The team provides expertise in reviewing all forms of breast imaging including mammography. The team includes breast specialty surgeons with expertise in breast saving procedures, sentinel node biopsy, and immediate breast reconstruction.  Our pathologists specialize in complexities of breast pathology.  Our oncologists are recognized experts in determining the most effective treatments with the least side effects.  Our oncologists also have extensive access to research protocols which allows to them to provide our patients with newest drugs that are only available on research protocols.


Coordination/Timeliness :
Getting a quality second opinion in a timely manner is a major challenge. In order to provide an in-depth, high quality second opinion, it is essential that previous breast imaging studies and previous pathology reports be reviewed. In most second opinion programs, it takes a week to review these studies and see the patient. We have made a major commitment to expedite the second opinion process. Within hours of receiving a call for a second opinion, a member of the medical team phones the patient to review both the medical issues as well as those issues of immediate concern to the patient. Questions are answered and a plan of action is initiated.
An experienced member of the support team will work with the patient to expedite the transfer of medical information. Before the patient is seen, arrangements will be made to do special studies, such as an MRI. Arrangements can also be made to meet with other key members of the team, such as a plastic surgeon (link to Plastic and Reconstruction). In some cases, arrangements are made to meet with the patient within the first 24 hours of the call, especially if the patient is in need of urgent information that cannot be provided over the phone.