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 be confident you're getting quality treatment and prevent potential misdiagnosis. Pacific Blue Cross offers this service in collaboration with WorldCare International, Inc. WorldCare gives members and their treating physicians’ access to leading specialists in North America’s top-ranked teaching and research hospitals – The WorldCare Consortium®.

When your medical documentation is reviewed, a written Second Opinion consultation report confirming your diagnosis and providing treatment plan recommendations along with valuable resources and other information is provided to your and your physician. If needed, an audioconference is arranged between your physician and the consulting medical specialist.

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 your Member Profile to verify if this is part of your coverage.

Getting the best possible outcome

When you call Second Opinion, a WorldCare Nurse Case Manager will talk you through the process, provide you with the necessary release forms and then contact your physician to collect your medical records.

A team of specialists, from one of the top-ranked academic medical centers withing the WorldCare Consortium® work together to review every aspect of your case. A comprehensive report will be prepared for you, which includes details of the medical consultation, treatment recommendations and answers to any questions from you or your physician. Throughout this process, your Nurse Case Manager stays in close touch with you.

The report provides recommendations only, and your treatment decisions will still be made between you and your physician.

What conditions qualify for a second opinion?

Serious conditions which qualify for a second opinion include the following:

• Aids
• ALS
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Any amputation
• Any life threatening illness
• Benign brain tumor
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Coma
• Deafness
• Embolism/Thrombophlebitis
• Emphysema
• Hip / knee replacement
• Kidney failure
• Loss of speech
• Major or severe burns
• Major organ transplant
• Major trauma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuro-degenerative disease
• Paralysis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stroke
• Sudden blindness due to illness

For more information about your benefits and to see if your plan includes Second Opinion, visit your Member Profile.