A retrospective review published in JCO Oncology Practice examined the cost impact of second opinions in oncology. The study found that subspecialist second opinions often lead to a de-escalation of care intensity, resulting in safer and less aggressive treatments, such as avoiding major surgery or changing drug regimens, while maintaining similar patient outcomes.
Financially, this approach led to significant cost savings, with an average reduction of $15,015 per patient across the study cohort. The findings highlight the value of second opinions in oncology, both in improving patient care and reducing healthcare expenditures.
The study, titled “What Is the Cost Impact of Second Opinions in Oncology? A Retrospective Review,” was conducted by Benjamin R. Roman, Allison Lipitz-Snyderman, Susan Chimonas, Brendan Raftery, Cole Manship, Arushi Mahajan, Leonard Saltz, Aaron Mitchell, David Miller, Smita Sihag, Daniel Gomez, Bobby Daly, and Lauren Klein Levine.
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