When you're facing a cancer diagnosis, you are likely to have a lot of questions. What treatment is best for me? Have I evaluated all my options? With a second opinion from RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can get answers from leading experts and begin your treatment with confidence and clarity.
To make it as easy as possible to get a second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson, we offer a free virtual intake visit for anyone in Illinois. During this video visit, you'll talk with a knowledgeable nurse navigator. They’ll listen to your questions and concerns, help collect your medical records and insurance information and find the right expert for your care. Then, you’ll have an in-person second opinion appointment with a RUSH MD Anderson expert.
How can I get a cancer second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson?
A virtual visit with a nurse navigator is the easiest way to get started receiving a cancer second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson. Scheduling an appointment online is simple.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll select the type of cancer you are making an intake appointment for and select a time for a virtual appointment. Same- and next-day appointments are available.
- On the day of your appointment, you’ll complete an e-check in MyChart.
- You’ll have your virtual visit with a RUSH MD Anderson nurse navigator. Our nurses specialize in helping cancer patients through every aspect of treatment. Your navigator will collect your medical history and begin verifying your insurance and gathering your medical records.
- After the video visit, your nurse navigator will finish verifying your insurance and medical records and find the right RUSH MD Anderson provider to evaluate your diagnosis. A RUSH MD Anderson scheduler will then contact you to schedule an in-person appointment with a RUSH MD Anderson expert.
- You’ll have an in-person appointment with a provider in Chicago, Oak Park or Lisle to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options and any questions you have. This appointment will be billed to your insurance.
You can also schedule a second opinion appointment by calling (312) CANCER-1.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a Virtual Intake Visit
Or call us at (312) CANCER-1
When should I get a second opinion?
Many people diagnosed with cancer seek a second opinion before starting treatment. Getting a second opinion does not mean you don't trust your doctor or you’re second-guessing your treatment plan. A second opinion can help you confirm your diagnosis, explore your options and begin treatment with peace of mind.
If your provider has recommended a complex therapy or surgery for your cancer, your insurance may require you to get a second opinion.
Choosing RUSH MD Anderson for Cancer Second Opinions
- Easy access: RUSH MD Anderson provides convenient access to cancer second opinion services in Chicago and the surrounding area. Virtual nurse navigator visits connect you with the experts at RUSH MD Anderson from anywhere in Illinois. There is no charge for your virtual intake visit. Video visits are powered by Rush Connect, an easy-to-use telehealth platform.
- Leading cancer experts: Specialists from RUSH MD Anderson will evaluate your diagnosis and treatment options during your in-person appointment. Rush partners with MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, to provide exceptional care in Chicago and the surrounding area. U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the top hospitals in the U.S. for cancer care.
- Personalized navigation: Knowledgeable nurse navigators will ensure you receive personalized care that addresses your concerns. During your virtual visit, your navigator will take time to understand your diagnosis, medical history and concerns. They’ll help collect your medical records and insurance information, and make sure you’re matched with a RUSH MD Anderson provider who is an expert at treating your condition.
- Collaborative, whole-person care: At RUSH MD Anderson, a collaborative cancer team of oncologists, surgeons, nurse navigators and other experts address every aspect of your health. You’ll have access to support services, including social and emotional support, nutritional counseling, acupuncture and more.
- Fast answers: When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, you need information to make decisions quickly. Virtual intake visits with a nurse navigator are available same or next-day, and you’ll be scheduled with a RUSH MD Anderson cancer specialist soon after your navigator visit.
- Innovative clinical trials: RUSH MD Anderson offers cancer clinical trials at our hospitals in Chicago, Oak Park and Aurora. RUSH MD Anderson can provide access to advanced clinical trials testing new and effective cancer treatments not available elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients 18 and older who live in Illinois and have received a cancer diagnosis are eligible for a virtual intake visit.
If you live outside Illinois, or you are seeking a second opinion appointment for a pediatric patient, call (312) CANCER-1 to schedule an appointment.
Many patients seek a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis. There are many reasons you might choose to get another opinion. If you are weighing different treatment options, have a rare cancer or want to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan, a second opinion can help you get the answers you need to make the best decisions for you.
If your doctor has recommended an experimental treatment or surgery, your insurance may require you to get a second opinion before proceeding.
Most providers will be supportive of your decision to get another opinion. Let your doctor know you are satisfied with your care, but that you want to explore all available options before starting treatment. If you are uncomfortable or nervous about talking to your provider, bringing a friend or family member along can help.
While beginning treatment promptly after you receive a cancer diagnosis is important, in most cases, you have time to evaluate your options, including seeking a second opinion. At RUSH MD Anderson, virtual intake visits with a nurse navigator are available same- or next-day, and you’ll be scheduled with an expert provider soon after.
Yes. Even if you’ve already started treatment, a second opinion can help you evaluate your options and treatment path.
Your virtual intake visit with a nurse navigator is free. The cost of the subsequent second opinion appointment with a RUSH MD Anderson provider will be billed to your insurance.
To get the most out of your virtual intake visit, come prepared to discuss your diagnosis, where you received your diagnosis and any previous treatment, and imaging tests and biopsies you have had.
To ensure you receive a second opinion as quickly as possible, you will be matched with the first available provider. Your nurse navigator will make sure you are matched with a provider who is an expert in treating your condition.
No, you do not need a referral to receive a second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson.
The easiest way to begin the cancer second opinion process is to schedule a virtual nurse navigator intake visit. You can schedule the virtual intake visit here. Same and next-day appointments are available.
You can also call (312) CANCER-1 to schedule cancer second opinion services.
RUSH MD Anderson provides second opinions for all types of cancer, including: bone marrow transplant (BMT) and cellular therapy; brain cancer; spine cancer; breast cancer; colorectal, stomach and other gastrointestinal cancers; prostate, bladder, and other genitourinary cancers; uterine, ovarian and other gynecologic cancers; head and neck cancer; leukemia; lymphoma; melanoma; multiple myeloma; parathyroid cancer; bone cancer and soft tissue sarcoma; lung and other thoracic cancers; thyroid cancer; liver cancer.
No, you can choose to have treatment where you prefer. If you would like to receive your treatment at RUSH MD Anderson, your nurse navigator and team can arrange the care you need.
Our virtual intake visits are only available in Illinois.
If you live outside Illinois and are interested in an in-person cancer second opinion appointment, call (312) CANCER-1.
Currently, we only offer virtual intake visits for patients 18 and older.
If you are a parent or guardian seeking a second opinion for a pediatric patient, call (312) CANCER-1 to schedule an in-person appointment.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a Virtual Intake Visit
Or call us at (312) CANCER-1
Among the Best in the U.S.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for cancer care.
Among the Best in the U.S.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for cancer care.
