USC-affiliated review
Academic-Caliber Cancer Second Opinion, in Newport Beach
An independent review of your diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plan by a Keck Medicine of USC–affiliated oncology team — without leaving Orange County.
Access to subspecialty oncology, tumor boards, and clinical trials typically found only at major academic centers.
Your tissue slides reviewed by a subspecialty pathologist — the single most common source of changed diagnoses.
A formal letter summarizing findings and recommendations, sent to you and (with permission) your local oncologist.
Why this kind of review matters
Roughly 1 in 5 cancer second opinions at major academic centers result in a meaningfully revised diagnosis, stage, or treatment plan. That's not because local oncologists are wrong — it's because subspecialty volume changes interpretation.
An academic team sees the same rare diagnosis dozens of times a year. The depth of pattern recognition, plus access to tumor boards and trials, is what changes the plan when it does change.
You don't have to switch your care to get this input. Most patients use the second opinion to confirm or refine their existing plan and continue treatment locally.
What's included
Pathology re-review
Subspecialty pathologist re-examines your slides and immunohistochemistry. Re-staining ordered if warranted.
Imaging re-read
Subspecialized radiologist re-reads your CTs, MRIs, and PET — often catching nuances the original read didn't address.
Multidisciplinary consultation
Medical oncology plus, where relevant, surgical oncology and radiation oncology — in a single coordinated visit.
Clinical trial screening
Active screening against USC and national trial registries you may not have been told about.
Written recommendation letter
A formal summary of findings and the recommended plan, suitable to share with your insurer and primary team.
How it works
- 1
Request the review
A 2-minute form. A care coordinator calls within one business day.
- 2
We collect your records
We pull pathology slides, imaging on CD, operative reports, and prior treatment summaries — you sign one release, we handle the rest.
- 3
Subspecialty re-review
Pathology and radiology re-reviewed before your visit, not during it.
- 4
Consultation visit
60–90 minutes with the oncology team. In-person in Newport Beach or video visit if preferred.
- 5
Written plan delivered
Within 5–10 business days of your visit, with copies to you and your local oncologist.
- Patients newly diagnosed with cancer who want academic input before starting treatment
- Patients with a rare or aggressive subtype
- Patients whose recommended treatment is high-stakes (major surgery, marrow transplant, multi-modality therapy)
- Patients interested in clinical trials
Frequently asked questions
Is this a transfer of care or a one-time consultation?
Either. Most patients keep their local oncologist and use the second opinion to confirm or refine the plan. If you want to transition care, we coordinate that — but it's never required.
Does USC affiliation mean I have to go to Los Angeles?
No. The consultations happen in Newport Beach through the Keck Medicine of USC clinical affiliation. Travel to Los Angeles is only needed for the small number of procedures or trials that require it.
How is this different from a regular new-patient visit?
A second opinion specifically reviews work already done — your pathology, imaging, and the proposed plan. A new-patient visit starts the work-up from scratch. The format, billing codes, and deliverables are different.
Will insurance cover it?
Most PPO and Medicare plans cover second opinions, often without requiring a referral. HMOs typically need a referral. Our coordinators verify your specific plan before the visit.
Request this review
Submit the form and a care coordinator will reach out within one business day.