616-685-6756
Muskegon & the Lakeshore:
231-727-7948
Second Opinions for Breast Health
A diagnosis can change everything. So can a second opinion.
If you’ve been given a cancer diagnosis, an expert second opinion helps you explore all of your options. We offer same-week access to a second opinion consultation with our physicians, who give consultative review of your imaging findings and/or biopsy results. No physician referral is necessary, and it’s covered by most major insurance plans.
The Second Opinion Clinic at Mercy Health Comprehensive Breast Center:
- evaluates your initial diagnosis
- provides weigh-in from the entire breast care team
- helps you know your options so that you can make informed decisions
- is covered by most insurances
- offers same-week appointments
What is a second opinion?
A second opinion is a consultative review of your mammography findings and pathology slides, followed by a personalized treatment recommendation developed by our team of specialists. This second opinion evaluates your initial diagnosis and helps you better understand all of your care options.
When you seek a second opinion at our centers, you receive a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan with input from the entire breast cancer team, including the region’s only fellowship-trained breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiation therapists and subspecialists. It includes a consultative review of your mammography findings and/or pathology slides, followed by a personalized treatment recommendation developed by our team of specialists.
Our radiologists are a team of board certified professionals offering specialized expertise in breast imaging and image guided breast procedures. Our radiologists are also educators, responsible for teaching medical students from Michigan State University School of Medicine and Radiology and residents from Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners (GRMEP).
Who should get a second opinion?
Patients should seek a second opinion for any cancer diagnosis. A second opinion is appropriate for both new breast cancer patients as well as patients with recurring breast cancer.
Why should I seek a second opinion?
Patients may choose to seek a second opinion for a variety of reasons. If you don’t understand the diagnosis or if you have additional questions about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Most insurance providers cover the cost of a second opinion for major disease or illness.
A second opinion offers peace of mind and ensures that you’re receiving the most accurate diagnosis along with the appropriate and most comprehensive care plan available. The more you can learn about your diagnosis and your treatment options, the better chance you have of receiving the most appropriate treatment.
Remember, seeking a second opinion is a step you take because you want the best information possible and because you want to know your options. A good doctor understands and appreciates a patient’s desire for a second opinion and should never discourage a patient from doing so. Medicine is complex and information on cutting-edge technology and treatment is always changing – even doctors seek out advice from their colleagues.
Ultimately, the patient makes the decision regarding care. A second opinion helps you gather all the information you need to make informed decisions.
At the Comprehensive Breast Center, we offer same-week access to a Second Opinion consultation. This service is covered by most insurance plans and no physician referral is needed.
To inquire about a Second Opinion appointment, call 616-685-6756 in Grand Rapids or 855-672-2008 in Muskegon.
