Why don’t major cancer hospitals do Virtual Second Opinion For NSCLC?

Every type of cancer is different. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women both in the United States and in the world, so there's one potential reason. HIPPA and security concerns with virtual medicine would be another. And the rapidly evolving landscape of new targeted treatments that depend on the specific type of lung cancer would be another. In short, I'm not that type of doctor, but I can think of several reasons. Personally, I traveled to the City of Hope for a second opinion after my first round of lung cancer, and to MD Anderson after my second.

Hi @nsclckrasg12v, I saw a recent post from @colleenyoung regarding virtual visits, and she mentioned, “When the Federal health emergency was lifted May 11th, 2023, access to virtual appointments changed across the nation. Not all appointments are permitted virtually.
Mayo Clinic welcomes both new and existing patients for virtual and in-person care in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Virtual care is available for out-of-state patients IF the provider you are seeing is licensed in the state where you live.”

I have seen some health systems offering virtual visits, but I’m not sure if they are getting around the state credentialing issues.
Because virtual visits can offer significant benefits to patients, I too am hopeful that the executive orders will be worked out over time.

Hi Lisa,

I live in California and called Mayo for a second opinion ( I start treatment next week here locally ) lung cancer adenocarcinoma stage 2B/3A (Doc wants to classify 3A due to lymph nodes) T1N2MO 9 weeks chemo/Immunotherapy then surgery, then more Immunotherapy-12-13 months treatment plan
I was told on the phone I have to come in person and that all new patients must come in person for an appointment. Are you saying this is not true? I would love to get a second opinion virtual appt-
April

Hi @aprilradek, I removed your patient ID number from your message. Personal identifying information shouldn't be shared on a public forum like this one. 🙂

There are circumstances where virtual appointments are possible at Mayo Clinic. When the Federal health emergency was lifted May 11th, 2023, access to virtual appointments changed across the nation. Not all appointments are permitted virtually.

Mayo Clinic welcomes both new and existing patients for virtual and in-person care in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Virtual care is available for out-of-state patients IF the provider you are seeing is licensed in the state where you live.

You're right April, that new patients are typically seen in person for the first appointment.

Hi April (@aprilradek), I hope your treatment goes well. It can be so hard (or impossible) to travel when we feel terrible and need the second opinion the most. Possibly there is a National Cancer Institute facility closer to you (https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find). Of course, Mayo Clinic is world renowned, but there are also many other very capable comprehensive cancer centers in the US.

thanks for the info-