Need a Second Opinion?
When faced with a serious medical condition, you need the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your diagnosis is correct and that your doctor's treatment plan offers you the best possible outcome.
If you have Second Opinion® as part of your Pacific Blue Cross benefit coverage, you can ensure you're getting quality treatment and prevent potential misdiagnosis. Pacific Blue Cross offers this service in partnership with the McGill University Health Centre, a Canadian institution and one of North America's leading medical facilities.
When your medical documentation is reviewed, a written Second Opinion consultation report reviewing diagnosis and treatment plan will be prepared and couriered to you and your physician. If required, a consultation between your doctor and the consulting medical specialist can be arranged.
Second Opinion is a valuable Canadian service, exclusive to Blue Cross members, that broadens the care and treatment options you receive.
Second Opinion is already included with most benefit plans, but see CARESnet to verify if this is part of your coverage.
Getting the best possible outcome
When you call the Second Opinion Hotline, a service coordinator will assist you through the process by providing two forms, one of which will be completed by you and your physician. You will need to forward the forms along with all relevant medical documentation to Second Opinion.
A medical specialist at the McGill University Health Centre will then review your request. A written Second Opinion consultation report will be prepared and couriered to you and your physician. The specialist provides recommendations only and your treatment decisions will still be made between you and your physician. A telephone consultation can be arranged between your physician and the McGill University Health Centre specialist, if required.
What conditions qualify for a Second Opinion?
Serious conditions which qualify for a Second Opinion include the following:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer's disease
- Any disease requiring amputation
- Any life threatening illness
- Benign brain tumor
- Cancer (all types)
- Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary bypass surgery, or aortic surgery
- Coma
- Deafness
- Emphysema
- Hip and knee replacement
- Loss of speech
- Loss of eyesight
- Major lung and bone disorders
- Major trauma
- Neuro-degenerative diseases (e.g. Multiple sclerosis)
- Paralysis
- Parkinson's disease
- Renal insufficiency or kidney failure
- Severe burns
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular accident)
- Thrombophlebitis and embolism
- Vital organ transplant
For more information about your benefits and to see if your plan includes Second Opinion, visit CARESnet.
Meet a Second Opinion Medical Specialist
Read our interview with Dr. Churchill-Smith, a senior physician in the department of medicine at the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Churchill Smith and his colleagues have helped many Canadians by providing them with second opinions for serious medical diagnoses. Hear about his experiences, stories of success and get started on the right path to recovery