Anyone able to get a second opinion with an HMO plan?

Hi debbie92284,

Do you have Kaiser per chance? I do and am now into 10 years at stage IV with no progression. The short answer, if you have Kaiser, is no. If you go anywhere outside the Kaiser system then it’s self pay. As far as I know, for mastectomies and lumpectomies they use general surgeons but you can ask about their experience with these procedures. No oncology surgeons either as far as I know. That being said, I personally never felt that there was any lack of expertise. The oncology department at my campus has some sort of NCCN (?) recognition. That being said, I did go to Stanford twice for second opinions (my brother generously paid) and they completely concurred with Kaiser’s treatment plan. Take care.

Yeah, I would not want a gall bladder guy for breast cancer surgery. How about calling your Insurance and asking them to help you find a breast cancer specialist? Also you could call the biggest hospital on your plan and ask them.

As I mentioned above , there is no board certification for breast surgeon.However, you can look for surgeons who have a lot of experience and an interest in breast surgery and belong to the organization I linked above. TBH, the surgeon was the person I had the most fleeting relationship with. After he removed the drains (10 days post surgery) I never saw him again. My plastic surgeon followed up on reconstruction and my mo developed the post surgical txplan. I know some folks feel a “breast surgeon" is very important but since no board certification clearly defines who is a breast surgeon, finding a surgeon with a lot of experience doing breast surgery might be something to consider. Just my two cents FWIW 😊

Actually, there is a board certification in complex general surgical oncology which is given by the American Board of Surgery. The candidates must have completed an accredited fellowship in surgical oncology, must pass an exam and maintain continuing education in the field of surgical oncology. Although there is not a specific 'breast' surgeon, these surgeons are skilled in all facets of surgical oncology. They will generally then practice in settings in their preferred areas of expertise. So, although my own surgeon only does breast and thoracic surgeries, others might do colon, adrenal, etc.

Debbie, where are you located? if you look at your list of Blue Shield surgeons, delve deeper into their education. Their choice of fellowship will tell you what they prefer to specialize in. If they don't list a fellowship, they are general surgeons only. It is not rocket science to remove a breast or a lump but there is definitely a bit of finesse required to seek and find all areas of cancer, repair the defect caused by the surgery and give you the best quality of life possible. Finally, you can consult with an oncologist near to your area (again, look at your HMO list of oncologists) and that individual can give you a referral to a surgeon he/she works with.

https://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?examoffered_...

Good luck,

Jane

Thanks jhl. Yes, there are fellowships and certifications that surgeons can complete if they have an interest in a particular area of surgery (not just breast) but there is no specific “breast surgeon” as you mentioned. Complex surgical oncology certification is not specific to breasts.Looking at a surgeons experience , including fellowships can be helpful and you certainly do want someone with extensive experience in breast surgery but I wouldn’t get too hung up on a title IMO. However, if that is important to you, follow some of the suggestions that have been made.