Some families may want to get a second opinion before starting treatment. We fully support patients and their families getting all of the information necessary to be comfortable with the treatment plan. We are happy to help coordinate second opinions and can recommend other experts around the country who would be the most helpful to you. We can also provide second opinions to patients receiving care at other children’s cancer centers. As national leaders in pediatric cancer and blood disorders, doctors at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta have unique relationships with medical experts around the country.
You may want to have a doctor who is not a part of your current healthcare team look at your child’s history, lab findings and exams. The doctor can then review his opinion about the treatment plan with you. In addition, some insurance companies require a second opinion. Your child’s primary care doctor may suggest another expert doctor for you to call.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has a toll-free number for children’s cancer centers and doctors all over the country, which can be reached at 800-4CANCER.