MSKCC Second Opinion Pause? How to Secure a Second Opinion from Doctors at Memorial Sloan and other Top Centers
- Medebound HEALTH
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Published by: Medebound HEALTH
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Cancer patients often seek second opinions to confirm diagnoses, explore treatment options, and gain peace of mind. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) has long been a trusted source for expert second opinions, especially through its remote consultation services.
However, as of November 2025, MSKCC has officially paused its remote second opinion program. This change leaves many patients wondering how to proceed with obtaining a reliable second opinion without traveling or facing delays.
This article guides you through the current landscape of cancer second opinions, explains why they matter, and offers practical steps to secure expert advice through alternative programs like Medebound HEALTH.
If you searched for "MSKCC second opinion," this post will help you navigate your options and continue your cancer care journey with confidence.
Why a Second Opinion Matters in Cancer Care
Cancer treatment decisions are complex and deeply personal. A second opinion can:
Confirm the accuracy of your diagnosis; Present additional treatment options you might not have considered
Provide reassurance about your current treatment plan; Help you understand potential side effects and outcomes
Research shows that second opinions can lead to changes in diagnosis or treatment plans in up to 60% of cases. This can improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary procedures. Given the stakes, having access to expert advice is crucial.
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s remote second opinion service was a popular choice because it connected patients with world-class oncologists without requiring travel. With this service paused, patients need alternatives that offer similar expertise and convenience.
What Happened to MSKCC’s Remote Second Opinion Program?
MSK announced the pause of its remote second opinion program in November 2025. The reasons include internal restructuring and a shift in focus toward in-person care and research initiatives.
This pause means patients can no longer request remote consultations directly through Sloan Kettering’s online platform.
While this change may feel like a setback, it opens the door for other trusted programs to fill the gap. Remote second opinions remain a valuable resource, especially for patients who cannot travel due to health, financial, or logistical reasons.
If MSKCC Isn’t an Option Right Now, What Can You Do?
1. Contact MSK Directly (If You Can Travel)
MSKCC still offers in-person second opinions through its Direct program, and some services may be available for certain insured patients within the U.S., but some may not accept your current insurance.
But not all patients can travel, and international travel for treatment involves cost, time, and physical strain — especially when you’re already dealing with cancer.
2. Seek Virtual Second Opinions from Other Top U.S. Cancer Centers
Other top cancer hospitals such as MD Anderson (ranked #1 in the nation in cancer care), also do not offer remote second opinions at all (only in-person second opinion that can are frequently quoted for $30,000–$40,000 with travel and lodging).
While other top cancer institutions like Dana-Farber do offer written second opinions, they:
May not assign you a top/senior physician and often have longer wait times
Typically provide only a written report - as a one-off service with no opportunity to embrace a long-term follow up consulting relationship with a US top physician.
Medebound HEALTH: A Practical Alternative for Remote Second Opinions
This is where Medebound HEALTH fits in — especially for patients outside the U.S.
Medebound HEALTH connects international patients with top U.S. cancer specialists (including current or former MD Anderson, MSK, Mayo, and other leading doctors) for expert second opinions — entirely online.
Why This Matters for YOU
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis and searching for elite second opinion from top cancer centers in the US,
You are looking for clarity, confidence, and expert insight from world-class cancer doctors without the pain of international/domestic travel.
Traditional MSKCC in-person second opinion:
Round-trip international/domestic flights + lodging in New York for 2 weeks : $3,500-9,000
Meals and local transportation for 2 weeks: $800-1,500
On site second opinion cost: around $8,000 for consultation/exams only, does not include treatment
Total estimated cost: $12,500–$20,000
Remote second opinion MSKCC doctors through Medebound HEALTH:
Comprehensive second opinion (written or video): $2,000-6,000 (varies by complexity)
No travel, lodging, or meal expenses
No physical strain or travel risks
Total cost: $2,000-$6,000
Case Spotlight: Ms. Zhang’s Journey with MD Anderson Second Opinion
Medebound HEALTH facilitates this process by working with physicians at world-renowned cancer centers such MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Ms. Zhang(alias) , a 60-year-old woman from East Asia, was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Her local doctors gave her limited options. Through Medebound HEALTH, she received a remote second opinion from a pancreatic cancer specialist at a top 3 Cancer center in the US.
The U.S. oncologist:
Suggested re-biopsy for genomic profiling
Recommended FOLFIRINOX plus targeted therapy
Advised participation in a KRAS G12D clinical trial
Her family shared:
"We were able to access an top 3 cancer center expert without flying to the U.S.
The advice gave us direction, and new hope"
A prestigious cancer doctor (from a top 3 cancer centers in the US) consults with Ms. Zhang (alias) via virtual second opinion via Medebound HEALTH. Photos and names are anonymized to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Here’s how it works:
Fast Turnaround
Most cancer second opinions are delivered in 1–2 weeks once we receive complete medical records — significantly faster than going directly through hospital international departments.
Expert Matching
You receive opinions from board-certified U.S. oncologists who are active or trained at top hospitals. Medebound HEALTH helps match your case with the right specialist based on cancer type and treatment needs.
Language & Navigation Support
For many international patients, language barriers are a major obstacle. Medebound HEALTH provides professional translation and coordination so nothing is lost in communication.
Written & Video Options
You can choose between:
A written expert review, or
A live video consultation with real time discussion (if available).Medebound HEALTH’s process supports both, enabling flexible access regardless of your schedule or location.
What to Do Next
If you were planning to use MSKCC’s remote second opinion service, don’t let the pause delay your care. Start by gathering your medical records and exploring programs like Medebound HEALTH. Their online platform makes it simple to submit your case and get expert advice quickly.
Cancer care is a journey that benefits from multiple perspectives. A second opinion can provide clarity and confidence, helping you choose the best treatment path for your unique situation.
Cancer second opinions remain a vital part of quality care. Even though MSKCC’s remote service is paused, you have options to get expert guidance without traveling. Programs like Medebound HEALTH offer trusted, convenient access to top oncologists who can review your case and support your decisions.
Take control of your cancer care today by seeking the second opinion you deserve. Your health journey is important, and expert advice can make all the difference.
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.
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