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How to Access an MSKCC Second Opinion Without Medical Traveling – Through Medebound HEALTH

Author: Medical Editor Iris


Content: 




Facing cancer is hard enough adding the burden of long-distance travel, exhausting logistics, and high costs can feel impossible. Many patients worry about missing out on world-class expertise at MSKCC because they simply can’t make the trip. With Medebound HEALTH, you no longer have to choose between your well-being and access to top cancer specialists. From the comfort of your home, you can receive a trusted second opinion from MSKCC experts without the travel stress, delays, or extra expenses.


The Advantages of U.S. Cancer Treatment

When it comes to cancer care, the United States is home to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals worldwide. Patients seek a Sloan Kettering second opinion because it offers:

  • Expert confirmation of diagnosis

  • Advanced therapies such as immunotherapy, precision medicine, and antibody-drug conjugates

  • Access to clinical trials and newly FDA-approved medications

  • Specialists focused exclusively on your type of cancer


Newly FDA-Approved Cancer Treatments of 2025

Here are some of the most recent breakthroughs in oncology—many of which MSKCC experts are among the first to evaluate and integrate into patient care plans:


  • Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) – A Trop-2–directed antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) approved in early 2025 for HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Clinical studies demonstrated improved progression-free survival and reduced severe side effects compared with traditional chemotherapy 


  • Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab) – Approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in patients who have already undergone four or more prior therapies (Targeted Oncology; Reuters).


  • Modeyso – The first systemic drug approved for diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Clinical data showed tumor shrinkage in ~22% of patients with durable responses (Reuters).


  • Tarlatamab (Imdelltra) – A bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) approved for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. This first-in-class therapy, delivered intravenously, activates immune cells to directly attack cancer cells.

  • Telisotuzumab vedotin (Emrelis) – An ADC targeting c-Met, approved for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high c-Met expression.


  • Inavolisib (Itovebi) – Approved for PIK3CA-mutated, ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. This precision-targeted therapy received breakthrough designation for its ability to significantly extend survival in patients with this common genetic mutation.


Other Notable 2025 Approvals

  • Imfinzi (durvalumab) – Expanded use in bladder cancer.


  • Pluvicto – Approved for prostate cancer.


  • Vimseltinib, mirdametinib – New kinase inhibitors with promising applications.


  • Enhertu, treosulfan – Expanded approvals across additional cancer subtypes (U.S. FDA; Cancer Therapy Advisor; NNECOS.org).


Why this matters for international patients:

These rapid FDA approvals highlight the U.S.’s leadership in oncology innovation. Through MSKCC second opinions, patients worldwide gain remote access to cutting-edge therapies—often long before they are available in their own countries. By consulting MSKCC, you are not only affirming your diagnosis but also exploring the latest treatment opportunities tailored to your case.


The Challenges for Patients Outside the U.S.

If you live outside the U.S., getting care on par with MSKCC isn’t always possible. Patients face:

  • Lack of access to new medications and advanced treatments

  • Local doctors with limited subspecialty expertise

  • Travel burdens, including visas, long stays, and expenses

  • Questions such as “What is the MSKCC second opinion cost?”


These challenges raise an important question:


Do you really need to travel to New York to benefit from a second opinion at Sloan Kettering?


Can You Access U.S. Expertise Without Leaving Home?

The answer is yes. With today’s digital platforms, you can request a Sloan Kettering online second opinion sometimes referred to as an MSKCC remote second opinion or MSK virtual second opinion.

This option allows you to:

  • Upload your medical records and scans for review

  • Receive a personalized treatment plan directly from MSK experts

  • Decide whether your local care aligns with the latest U.S. standards

  • Avoid unnecessary travel until it is truly needed


Real-Life Example: Mei’s Journey with MSKCC Second Opinion Via Medebound HEALTH


Patient Profile:

Mei (alias), a 47-year-old woman from Asia, had been battling triple-negative breast cancer. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy at a leading local cancer hospital, her cancer showed signs of recurrence within a year. Her doctors insisted on repeating the same chemotherapy regimen, offering little hope for innovation. Mei’s family, however, discovered through research that newer therapies were available in the U.S. but felt lost about how to access them. Faced with limited local options and uncertainty about international treatment pathways, Mei turned to Medebound HEALTH for guidance.


The Second Opinion Request:

 With the help of Medebound HEALTH, Mei submitted her pathology slides, imaging scans, and treatment history to MSKCC. Her case was reviewed by Dr. Johnson (alias), a breast cancer specialist at Sloan Kettering.


Asian cancer patient consulting U.S. oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center via online second opinion through Medebound HEALTH

Doctor’s Recommendations:

  • Confirmed that her cancer subtype was triple-negative with high risk of recurrence.

  • Recommended immunotherapy (PD-L1 targeted) combined with chemotherapy, a treatment not yet available in Mei’s local hospital.

  • Suggested genomic profiling to evaluate eligibility for a clinical trial at MSKCC.

  • Advised against repeating the same chemotherapy regimen, as it was unlikely to succeed.

Outcome: 

Mei and her family felt reassured by the detailed review. With Medebound HEALTH’s coordination, she began immunotherapy at a partner hospital in Asia that followed MSKCC’s guidance. Within months, her scans showed significant tumor reduction. Later, she traveled to the U.S. to be evaluated for a clinical trial.


Patient’s Perspective:

Without the Sloan Kettering second opinion online, I would have repeated treatments that might not work. Dr. Johnson’s advice gave me new hope, and Medebound HEALTH made the process smooth and affordable. — Mei (alias)


Why It’s More Cost-Effective to Get an MSKCC Second Opinion via Medebound HEALTH


For many patients, the thought of seeking a second opinion at MSKCC brings both hope and anxiety. The care is world-class, but the costs can quickly spiral—from consultation fees to travel, accommodation, and time away from work or family. For international patients, this burden feels even heavier.

When considering your options, cost is an important factor. Here’s a comparison:


  • MSKCC second opinion cost:

  • Written second opinion starts at $3,000

  • Video second opinion costs around $5,000

  • Patients must arrange professional translation of medical records, which costs approximately $500

This means the true cost for many international patients is $3,800–$5,800, plus the burden of finding and coordinating a translator independently.


  • Medebound HEALTH second opinion cost:

  • Starts at $2500, which already includes professional translation

  • Pricing varies depending on the doctor’s seniority level

  • We manage the entire process, from translation to scheduling, saving you time, stress, and hidden expenses

 

This makes Medebound HEALTH more economical and streamlined, especially for international patients who would otherwise face the challenge of arranging translations and navigating the process alone.


MSKCC vs. Medebound HEALTH: Second Opinion Comparison

Category

  Medebound HEALTH

MSKCC

Turnaround

Video and written opinions in ~1 week

Typically 3–4 weeks

Written vs. Video

Offers both written and video second opinions; video includes live interaction with top professors

Offers both written and video second opinions

Doctor Level

Patients can directly select authoritative professors from MSKCC, MD Anderson, Dana-Farber, etc.

Scheduling with top doctors is not guaranteed; often handled by less experienced physicians

Language Support

Full professional medical translation for records, live interpretation, and written reports included

Video interpretation provided, but medical record translation not included (patients must arrange independently)

Price

Starts at $2500 including translation; cost depends on doctor level

Written opinion starts at $3,000; video $5,000; translation costs extra (~$500). Total often $3,800–$5,800

Concierge Service

Proactive trial search, treatment updates, follow-up support, assistance with new medication applications, etc.

 No concierge service


How Medebound HEALTH Enables Access to U.S. Expertise 

Medebound HEALTH supports you by:


 Providing both written and video second opinion consultations from top U.S. doctors, as well as arranging on-site appointments with leading hospitals.

These top-tier hospital resources are excellent, but for many Asian patients, direct contact can present language and procedural barriers. Medebound HEALTH core value lies in bridging these gaps, making world-class care more accessible and stress-free.

Compared to contacting a hospital’s international department directly, our appointment process is more efficient:

  • Second opinions can be completed within 1–2 weeks.

  • On-site appointments can be arranged within 3–4 weeks.

  • The average response time for the international departments of traditional hospitals is 4–6 weeks, while Medebound can shorten it to just 2–3 weeks.


For on-site visits, while a hospital’s international department typically provides medical translation, we go further offering additional assistance with daily life translation to help you navigate local services, daily communication, and cultural differences with ease.


We also coordinate all travel, accommodation, and communication logistics for a seamless treatment journey, allowing you to focus fully on your health.



Important Considerations:

 Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for second opinion consultations, as many may not cover the cost. 


Second Opinion Limitation: U.S. second opinion consultations are for reference purposes only. The physician-patient relationship is not formed with your remote physician. Remote consultations differ from in-person visits and are subject to limitations due to lack of direct in-person examination. As such you will need to understand Medebound HEALTH and the U.S. doctor are not liable for any treatment decisions made based on the second opinion, and accept the risks of relying on any information provided under this agreement. You will need to sign an agreement to confirm that you voluntarily request this service and understand its limitations.


Timeliness: Getting a second opinion early in your treatment journey, ideally before starting treatment, can be beneficial. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does a second opinion through Medebound HEALTH cost compared to going directly to MSKCC?

 Direct second opinions at MSKCC often involve high fees plus additional costs for translation and record preparation. Medebound HEALTH provides bundled, cost-effective packages that already include translation and coordination, reducing the overall expense.


2. How quickly can I expect to receive my second opinion? 

Most patients receive their written second opinion within 7–10 business days after submitting complete medical records. Medebound HEALTH helps avoid delays by handling translation, formatting, and direct coordination with MSKCC specialists.


3. What services does Medebound HEALTH provide during the process? 

We assist with every step: collecting and organizing your medical records, arranging translation if needed, submitting directly to MSKCC, and ensuring you receive a clear written second opinion. This saves patients time, stress, and logistical challenges.


4. Do I need to travel to the U.S. for a second opinion?

 No. Medebound HEALTH enables access to MSKCC’s top cancer specialists remotely, without the financial and emotional burden of international travel.


5. What types of cases can Medebound HEALTH help with? 

We cover a wide range of cancers, including complex or rare cases. Patients who feel uncertain about their diagnosis, treatment plan, or future options benefit the most from a second opinion.


6. How secure is my medical information when shared with Medebound HEALTH? 

Your information is protected under HIPAA-compliant data standards. Medebound HEALTH uses secure channels for storing and transferring medical records to ensure confidentiality.


7. Can Medebound HEALTH help if my medical records are not in English? 

Yes. Translation is included in our service, so patients don’t need to worry about extra costs or mistakes in medical terminology.


8. Why is a second opinion important if I already have a treatment plan?

 Even if you already have a plan, a second opinion can confirm the diagnosis, suggest new therapies, or prevent unnecessary treatments. Many patients feel reassured and more confident in their choices after consulting MSKCC experts via Medebound HEALTH.


9. How is Medebound HEALTH different from going directly to MSKCC? 

While direct applications to MSKCC can be costly and require patients to handle logistics themselves, Medebound HEALTH makes the process simpler, more affordable, and faster by managing translation, coordination, and follow-up.


10. What happens after I receive my second opinion? 

Patients can choose to continue their treatment locally with more confidence, or explore options for travel to the U.S. if needed. Medebound HEALTH can also help arrange further consultations or facilitate the next steps.



Steps to Clarity for MSKCC Online Second Opinion 

If you are wondering “how do I get a second opinion at MSKCC?, the process is more accessible than you think.

Through the Sloan Kettering online second opinion programs, patients like Mei have gained access to life-changing expertise without the need for immediate travel.

With Medebound HEALTH, you save time, reduce stress, and most importantly gain clarity and confidence in your cancer journey


About Medebound HEALTH: Since 2016, we've helped thousands of affluent families mostly from Asia get personalized cancer remote second opinions from the top 1% of US hospitals through simple written opinion or video calls.  These are the same top doctors trained or active at top hospitals such as MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Johns Hopkins, etc, you will get their expertise, their treatment suggestion, and their guidance - all from your home. No matter where you live, world-class cancer care is just a few steps away.


Contact Us to Get Started

WhatsApp: +1 718 213 8508

 

Submit the form: Click HERE we will get back within 4 hours Instant Chat: Click the chat button at the lower right corner of this page👇

 

Medebound HEALTH connects families to top U.S. pediatric epilepsy specialists, advanced medications, and personalized care without the need to travel abroad.

Submit your case today and connect with MD Anderson experts through Medebound HEALTH.


Disclaimer: 

We strive to maintain the accuracy and provide regular updates for the treatment information described in this article. However, treatment outcomes may vary between individuals. The information provided here is not intended as a diagnostic or treatment recommendation and should not replace the careful evaluation and advice of your attending physician.


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Why Medebound HEALTH

1000+ US Physician Network

We know top doctors make a difference. Our consulting doctors are world-class physicians recognized by prestigious awards such as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, encompassing 70+ medical disciplines representing the Top 1% doctors of in the nation.

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 Medebound HEALTH sends cases to the top doctors from the best medical institutions. These doctors are trained and teaching at top research hospitals, pioneering cutting-edge research, and advocating groundbreaking treatment regimens. 90% of our doctors are trained and worked at some of the country’s most elite institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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