Second opinions and cost-effectiveness: the questions continue

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.