Hi everybody,

I'm Michael in Jacksonville, FL and today, I confirmed my self-diagnosis with a real live hand surgeon. Since I noticed the nodule and puckering skin on my left hand (in March), I've been scouring the interweb and stumbled upon this handy site.

In short, after reviewing all available info thus far, I've concluded that I'm (almost) convinced that, given the early catch and stage of my condition, that RT would be worth a shot.

I would really love to find someone in the U.S. Firstly, because of the cost of having to travel (overseas), but mostly because of $$$$ (or rather, lack of). Although, because of having a relative in the airline industry, if I had to I COULD.

That said, everyone here has been a tremendous help. But I could use some further detailed info regard COSTS of the procedure in the U.S. In reading here, I''ve seen costs ranging from a few thousand to 20 thousand and up (at the Oklahoma City clinic listed, if I'm not mistaken) As I stated earlier, although I would rather not, given the relative cheap cost of RT treatment in Germany versus here, I would travel if need be. But I would love to do it here.

I really need COST info.......

Any thoughts?
Thank you in advance for any info you have to offer......

BTW, I'm aware of the clinics listing in the side bar, but I've discovered that you all have ALOT of fresh info not listed there.

Found my posting of 8/29/09 about the cost of my RT done in July 2009. It is shown below.
This will at least give you a reference point. Dr. T won't do RT if he doesn't think it is the right timing, i.e. active Dupuytren's.


flojo Cost of RT at Scripps

Just received Medicare Summary Notice for my RT. Note: No co-pay if charges within Medicare approved charges.

"Set radiation therapy field" - $836.80**
"Radiation physics consult" - 2 x $562.10**
"Radiation treatment delivery" - 10 x $482.78**
** Amount charged by Scripps/Dr. Trapuraneni was within Medicare approved rates.

"1 Ct scan for therapy guide" - Amount charged - $99.00, Medicare approved amt. - $42.73

Other charges noted as "Information provided does not support this service or item" for the initial SIMS planning appointment done 3 weeks prior to beginning actual radiation treatment (itemized as therapy planning, set radiation therapy field, radiation treatment aid professional charge and Special teletx port plan professional charge) totaled $1,032 Note: The "Ct scan for therapy guide" listed above as paid by Medicare was done at the SIMS planning. It is reasonable to me that at least some of the unapproved charges can be documented, but I don't know if Scripps will provide documentation for these charges or not.

Scripps charges, I assume, were aligned with Medicare coverage, but I don't know. I hope knowing Medicare Approved amounts will help others in planning their treatment. Remember that my dosage was 1.8Gy for each of the 10 sessions of electron radiation therapy. I would think that a higher dosage would cost more.

* Quote

I just finished RT in Birmingham, AL at UAB. The radiation oncologist was Dr. Ruby Meredith http://www.uab.edu/radonc/ruby-profile.php
Mine was the first DD they've treated but Dr. Meredith did consult with Seegenschmiedt and Dr. T at Scripps. She also spent a lot of time researching the disease. I had 2.0Gy for 2 weeks.

They do a fine job at UAB, very professional. What you do is first run the bills through your health plan and they reduce them to covered and non-covered charges. You are only responsible for the covered charges even though in your case your health plan may not pay any of it. My carrier was BC/BS of Illinois with a $1,000 deductible. The total billed amount was approx $12,000 but the covered part that got paid about $4,000.

I haven't posted anything about my results yet because I am still evaluating things. I have very aggressive DD which started about 2 1/2 months ago and hit both hands and both feet at once. The RT was some help for sure but things are still going on. I will post an update sometime later when I can give a fair summary.

Edited 06/19/10 22:17

Paradise,

Your comment caught my attention, You said, "I live in flip flops". Flip flops were the worst thing I could wear on my feet. As soon as I stopped wearing flip flops or any thing like them my feet immediately improved (this was about ten years ago). The nodules receded and I no longer am aware that I have any problems in my feet. It was a real relief. I have concluded (at least for me) that proper shoes are a huge factor in the progression of the disease.

My thoughts on all of this is your doctors charged way to much unless ins. is picking up tab. My bill for 10 days of radiation before turned into ins. was $4,852 and after ins kicked in and reduced amounts my bill that i was responsibility for was $1,851 and that is because i have a deduct. Why are these doctor charging you so much? If anyone needs info on my doctor and where he is just let me know. I have put this info on here loads of times but would be glad to do it again. I will check my amounts again to make sure and if this is wrong i will correct it. Take care

Edited 06/18/10 04:09