Thoracic Surgery Second Opinion Services

When you need thoracic surgery, you may have a lot of questions. Does my surgeon have experience performing the procedure I need? How long will the recovery period be?

Thoracic surgeons at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center can provide a second opinion to make sure you are confident in your treatment. They offer second opinions for different types of cancers and benign conditions, including:

Funnel chest (pectus excavatum)
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Lung cancer surgery consultation
Lung lining issues (pleural abnormalities)
Lung nodule
Tumor between lungs (mediastinal tumor)

To make it as easy as possible to get a second opinion, RUSH MD Anderson offers a virtual intake visit for anyone in Illinois. You can also schedule a second opinion appointment by calling (312) 942-6642.

During this video visit, you’ll talk with an advance practice provider. They will collect your medical records and insurance information, then find the right expert for your care.

Then, you’ll have an in-person medical appointment with a thoracic surgeon who will offer a second opinion and answer any medical questions you have.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a Virtual Intake Visit

Or call us at (312) 942-6642

How can I get a thoracic surgery second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson?

A virtual intake visit is the easiest way to start. Scheduling an appointment online is simple.

Here’s how it works:

Select your condition 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 eCheck-in via MyChart.
You’ll complete your virtual visit with a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. They’ll collect your medical records and insurance information to verify your benefits.
After the virtual visit, our team will verify your insurance and discuss your medical history with a RUSH MD Anderson thoracic surgeon to evaluate your diagnosis. We will then contact you to schedule an in-person appointment.
You’ll have an in-person appointment in Chicago, Oak Park or Lisle to discuss your treatment options and any questions you may have.

You can also schedule a second opinion appointment by calling (312) 942-6642.

Father Inspired Rush Doctor to Become a Surgeon — After her dad died of lung cancer, Rush thoracic surgeon Gillian Alex, MD, pursued thoracic surgery to care for other patients with the disease.

Why do I need a second opinion?

Many people who need thoracic surgery have been diagnosed with cancer. Esophageal cancer, lung cancer and tumors on the chest wall may all require surgery. You may have many questions, including whether or not surgery is the best treatment option for you.

You may also need thoracic surgery for a benign condition. Thoracic surgery can be used to treat GERD, COPD and hyperhidrosis. A second opinion can give you confidence that you are making the right choice.

Or if you know you need surgery, maybe you want to talk to a provider with lots of experience performing the kind of surgery you need.

Talking to another specialist can empower you to make decisions about your care.

Choosing Rush for Thoracic Surgery Second Opinions

Fast access to a leading program: We have same- and next-day appointments available. And our program is consistently rated one of the top 13 thoracic surgery programs in the country by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Leaders in minimally invasive surgery: If you need to have part of a lung removed, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can help you recover faster and with less pain than a traditional procedure. RUSH MD Anderson thoracic surgeons perform more VATS than any other hospital in Illinois.
Advanced bronchoscopy tools: Our surgeons are experts at using a robot-assisted bronchoscopy tool. This allows them to perform minimally invasive biopsies, especially for lung nodules, and patients most often go home the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients 18 and older who live in Illinois and have a condition that can be treated by a thoracic surgeon are eligible for a virtual intake visit. You must be in Illinois at the time of your video appointment.

If you live outside Illinois or want a second opinion appointment for a pediatric patient, schedule a second opinion appointment by calling (312) 942-6642.

Many people who need thoracic surgery have been diagnosed with cancer. There are many reasons you might choose to get a second opinion following a cancer diagnosis. This may include finding a surgeon who can perform the type of surgery you need. Or maybe you want to understand the treatment plans available. A second opinion can help you get the answers you need to make the best possible decision for you.

For people who need thoracic surgery who do not have cancer — such as treatment for GERD, hyperhidrosis or COPD — seeking a second opinion is also about getting as much information as you need to be confident in your decision to have surgery.

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.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to start treatment promptly. In most cases, you do have time to evaluate your options. Virtual intake visits are available same or next-day at RUSH MD Anderson, and you’ll be scheduled with an expert provider soon after.

We also want patients seeking treatment for non-cancerous conditions to be treated quickly. Our virtual intake visits are available same- and next-day to make sure you can get the care you need in a timely manner.

The second opinion virtual visit (as well as any in-person second opinion visits) from 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 and where you received your diagnosis and any previous treatment. Please also be prepared to discuss any imaging tests or biopsies you have had.

To ensure you receive a second opinion as quickly as possible, you will be matched with the first available provider. Our team 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 from a thoracic surgeon at RUSH MD Anderson.

The easiest way to start the second opinion process is to schedule a virtual intake visit. Same and next-day appointments are available.

You can also call (312) 942-6642 to schedule a second opinion appointment with a thoracic surgeon.

RUSH MD Anderson thoracic surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including Barrett’s esophagus, chest wall tumors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, esophageal cancer, GERD, mesothelioma, myasthenia gravis, hyperhidrosis, lung nodules, pectus excavatum, pleurisy, subglottic stenosis, mediastinal masses and tumors, and lung cancer.

No. You can choose to have treatment where you prefer. If you would like to receive your treatment at RUSH MD Anderson, our team can arrange the care you need.

Our virtual intake visits are only available in Illinois. If you live in Illinois and want to schedule a second opinion appointment with a thoracic surgeon, call (312) 942-6642.

Currently, we only offer virtual intake visits for those 18 and older. If you are a parent or guardian and want to schedule a second opinion appointment with a thoracic surgeon for a pediatric patient, call (312) 942-6642.