title: Second opinions and cost-effectiveness: the questions continue.
abstract: For nearly 20 years, second surgical opinion programs have been promoted as a means of containing health care costs. Since their introduction, debate has continued over their cost-effectiveness. This article provides a historical perspective of second surgical opinion programs, with a particular emphasis on the federal government's past and current involvement in these programs. Also included are a summary of recent reports on employers' and insurers' involvement in these programs and the College's views on second surgical opinion programs.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Peebles
mesh_terms: D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008484:Medicaid / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006278:Medicare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States