Second Opinion

Make An Informed Decision About Your Health

We understand the importance of making well-informed decisions when it comes to your cancer care. That’s why we believe in the value of seeking second opinions. A second opinion is an additional evaluation of your diagnosis, treatment options, or overall care by another qualified health care professional. It is an opportunity to obtain an independent perspective from an expert who specializes in your specific type of cancer.

When to Seek a Second Opinion

Complex or Rare Cases: If you have a complex or rare cancer diagnosis, it can be valuable to consult with specialists who have extensive experience and knowledge in treating similar cases.

Uncertain Diagnosis or Treatment Plan: If you have doubts or concerns about your diagnosis or treatment plan, seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance and help you explore alternative options.

Major Treatment Decisions: When faced with major treatment decisions, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, obtaining a second opinion can offer additional insights and help you make a well-informed choice.

How to Coordinate a Second Opinion from Apex Cancer Care

At Apex Cancer Care, we make it easy for you to receive a second opinion on your condition. Refer to the steps below for guidance on requesting a second opinion from a cancer care specialist.

Gather Your Medical Records

Connect with your current health care provider to ensure they provide all medical records to our team before your appointment. This includes test results, pathology reports, and imaging studies, to share with the second opinion provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Contact the second opinion provider’s office to schedule an appointment. During the consultation, be prepared to discuss your medical history, diagnosis, and current treatment plan.

Consultation and Recommendations

During the appointment, the second opinion provider will review your medical history, examine your records, and may conduct additional tests if necessary. They will then provide you with their expert opinion, offering alternative treatment options, confirming the original diagnosis, or suggesting modifications to your current treatment plan.

Benefits of Receiving a Second Opinion

Remember, seeking a second opinion is not a sign of doubt or mistrust, but rather an essential step in ensuring that you receive the best possible care and make informed decisions about your cancer treatment. At Apex Cancer Care, we fully support and encourage our patients to explore second opinions as part of their care journey.

Together, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to enhance your well-being and treatment outcomes.

“I have no doubt that Dr. Baker literally saved my life with his treatment of my bladder cancer. I cannot put into words how grateful I am to him and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone requiring the services of a urologist.”
– Keith C.

“Dr. Freidberg has taken care of my husband for over 6 years, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the patient care he’s provided for my husband. We highly recommend Dr. David Freidberg for all your urology related needs.”

“Had my first consultation with a urologist today and it was a great experience. Dr. Sundaram was very calm, informed, and extremely patient. I had a whole list of questions and he answered them thoroughly and calmly. He was great!”

“Dr. Cuellar is a highly skilled and caring doctor. I am grateful for his skills in my surgery. Two and a half years cancer free, enjoying retirement! Thanks Dr. Cuellar!”
– Paul m.

“Dr. Floyd is very competent and friendly. He does not make you feel rushed at all—answers every question thoroughly and patiently.”

“I love, love, love Dr. Sosland! I was referred to her from a surgeon friend and decided to see her. I ended up switching to her to do a different, less invasive procedure. She is very understanding and has wonderful bedside manner. Her assistant is so kind and thoughtful as well. I highly recommend her!”

“Urology Austin discovered my prostate cancer and saved my life. Dr. Freidberg helped me through the whole process and his calm approach helped me cope.”
– Greg B.

“First visit to Dr. Desireddi. VERY pleased with his style, persona, directness, suggestions, input and plan of action.”

“Dr. Dickinson took his time to answer all my questions and to educate me about my condition. I’ve finally found a urologist and an office that I feel comfortable with. I’m a retired healthcare worker, having spent 40 years serving patients.”

“Dr. Singh is the best. Wonderful sense of humor and appreciate his conservative approach to care. My wife, a retired RN, rated Dr. Singh as a 10!”

“Wonderful staff and Dr. Phillips has made an awesome difference in our journey with the treatment of cancer.” – Karen L.
– Karen L.

“Dr. Denson – a terrific physician, attentive and a great listener – solved my problem in one visit and said I don’t think that I need to see you again – don’t hear that much – music to my ears!”

“Dr. Shatagopam repaired my bladder and I thank God for providing him as a key member of my care team. He saved my bladder. Dr. Shatagopam is wonderful—he was compassionate and explained things clearly to me, and I felt very comfortable being in his care.”

“Dr. Phillips is a brilliant, expert, and kind physician. He has guided me through the complexities of diagnosing prostate cancer. I appreciated his candor and his ability to make difficult medical scientific theory and data on the disease comprehensible to a lay person. I could not recommend him more strongly to other patients.”
– Michael y.

“Dr. Ruff is always straightforward with me. Takes the time to explain what is going on and the path forward. His staff are friendly and courteous. I have been going to Dr. Ruff since my right kidney removal cancer [and] prostate cancer surgery. I would recommend Dr. Ruff to anyone and I have. Very dedicated to his profession.”

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Cuellar for 10 years. I could not be more pleased with him as my doctor. He creates great rapport with his patients and takes the time to answer any question and fully explain your condition and recommend treatment.”

“Dr. Mobley saved my life! I got diagnosed with prostate cancer. They treated it before it got to the rest of my body. Her concerns, treatment plans, and advice did me wonders. I chose radiation. My decision, which I wasn’t used to. Her and the staff are all so professional. I am glad I got to see her and would highly recommend.”
– Jon M.

“We always have a great experience when we come to this office. Dr. Phillips and the entire staff is awesome. Highly recommend them to everyone.”

“Dr. Bruce is amazing and has been helping me for years! Absolutely love seeing him.”

“I have been cancer free without removing my prostate gland for the past 9 years. I cannot express how grateful I am for the treatment innovations, care, and concern demonstrated by my doctors, nurses and even office staff over the past 4 years. I would not be here without them. Special thanks to Dr. Eric Giesler and Brian Buhrer”
– Mike M.

“Very experienced surgeon and urologist, personal and friendly mannerisms—recommend Dr. Osterberg without any reservations.”

“Dr. Bischoff and staff are wonderful to work with! Each member is very knowledgeable, extremely professional, always respectful, and quite easy to communicate with. Dr. Bischoff is genuinely interested in finding the cause of a problem and solving the issue properly and quickly and accepts no margin of error!”

“I was impressed during my first visit, I found Dr. Giesler to be professional, personable, and knowledgeable. After doing research on prostate cancer, treatments, and providers, it became apparent that having the right surgeon was one of the most important decisions to be made. Dr. Giesler was the right doctor for me, this was even more apparent when he met and updated my family before and after surgery. I am eight weeks out of surgery and could not be happier with my surgeon Dr. Eric Giesler!”
– Martin M.

“4 years ago Dr. Baker saved my life from Stage 3 kidney cancer! He and his staff are amazing and I am so grateful to have him as my doctor!”

“Dr. Robert Northway was the best. He made me feel very comfortable. It was my first visit to a urologist. He was up front , straight to the point, and easy to talk to. Explained what’s next for me. Thank you, Dr. Northway.”

“I feel that Dr. Eric Giesler has done a wonderful job treating my cancer. I am cancer free where I previously had it. He has been proactive in checking for its return.”
– Richard F.

“Dr. Mobley is a true professional and always leaves me knowing that I am in great care. Dr. Mobley is an outstanding communicator and ensures that all instructions are well understood and, more importantly, the reasons for the advice. I feel very fortunate to be among Dr. Mobley’s patients.”

“Dr. Giesler is top in his field, and couldn’t be more helpful and supportive. I am cancer-free thanks to expert help from him.”
– Peter B.

“Dr. McClelland is an outstanding doctor. He has an easy going skill; explains any issues in clear and concise yet understandable English. You never feel rushed. I would recommend him to anyone. I credit him with keeping me alive.”

“My husband’s PSA was elevated and his doctor recommended a urologist for more tests, and Dr. Shatagopam was the recommendation. My husband, who showed no symptoms, had prostate cancer. We elected for surgery rather than radiology. The results were a 100% success. You won’t find a more caring and expert team than Austin Urology and Dr. Shatagopam. 3 months from initial diagnosis to a 100% clear result is just amazing.”
– Paul and Jen I.

“Dr. Maloney was very personable and instilled a great deal of confidence in me, a newly relocated, new patient. He took his time and asked all the right questions. He made me feel very comfortable, no rush.”

“Dr. Denson listens well, provides clear feedback, and includes me in my health care plan. She has been professional and caring through both a surgery and later the identification and treatment of cancer. Both have resulted in good health. 5 stars is not enough!”
– Terry L.

“I’ve been coming to your office for the past 5 years and always treated with respect. Dr. Kocurek is a very caring doctor. I’m glad to have found him 5 years ago! I was scared with the diagnosis at the time but lucky to be still free of cancer!”

“Dr. Floyd has been an extremely good doctor. I am diagnosed with prostate cancer and he has been great at getting me the treatment I need.”
– Dana L.

“Excellent service and Dr. Kansas is always very knowledgeable. He is also personable, listens, and takes his time to answer all of my questions. I feel he doesn’t just compare my medical profile against the established norm to reach a medical diagnosis, but that he actually understands my conditions and lifestyle as it relates to my health.”

“Dr. Hardee is fabulous. She listens, explains clearly and thoroughly, and persists in considering my symptoms until she could make accurate diagnoses and get me the right treatments for BPH and bladder cancer.”
– Ken M.

“Dr. Jones listens to my questions and patiently answers all of them. I have total confidence in Dr. Jones, and have no doubt I am in good hands.”

“Dr. Northway spends as much time as I wish during my appointments. He is very patient with my many questions and is positive and supportive. I feel that my cancer treatment is in great hands. The nursing and administrative staff are also excellent.”
– Patrick M.

“Dr. Hardee is my doctor and she is simply everything and more that you could want in a doctor. Very thoughtful, super smart and great listener! All the staff from the front desk to all the nurses and special technicians are totally professional.”

“Dr. Maloney has been my doctor for nine years! He always gives me good advice and has a great personality! He saved my husband’s life many years ago by his diagnosis of his kidney cancer! I will always be grateful to Dr. Maloney”
– VAL C.

“Dr. Hardeman has provided the highest quality professional care for my bladder cancer. Just as important, he has taken the time to talk to me, inform me, and set my mind at ease as I make difficult decisions. I appreciate his efforts and concern. I could not be in the hands of a more competent and empathetic physician.”

“Dr. Maloney was my dad’s doctor back in 1998 when my dad was going through a difficult time with prostate cancer. At some point after that, I started going to him and have been ever since. He’s an excellent doctor who takes his time to explain everything. I wouldn’t change him for anything.”
– Mike H.

“Dr. David Greenwell has been my urologist since I retired six years ago. He is not only very capable and experienced, but has a good balance of professional expertise and straightforward yet sensitive relationship with his patients.”

“My first visit with Dr. Hardeman set the foundation for a healthy relationship. I was nervous about the possibility of having prostate cancer. His initial approach was a conversation about me, and we realized we attended the same high school at different times. Dr. Stephen Hardeman’s professionalism is embedded with personality and kindness.”
– Kenneth T.

“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Giesler. He has a lifelong patient, he is a personable, state of the art professional that is great at putting his patients (at least me) at ease.”

“In 1991, I had gone to three different doctors for blood in urine. I was 37 years old and they all dismissed it as one of those things. I eventually wound up at Dr. Hardeman’s doorstep. He did a simple test to “rule out anything crazy.” Nailed it. Bladder cancer and now it had been going on for almost a year. Surgery was September 3, 1991. I’m still here. He also treated my dad and provided wise and compassionate care.”
– George C.

“From the very beginning, Dr. Garza explained in detail what I could expect with my radiation treatments. The preparations were the most difficult, but the radiation sessions were a breeze. Each of the 44 appointments started and ended on time. This was back in 2014, and I remain cancer-free. That speaks well of Dr. Garza and his professional staff! I highly recommend them all.”