Hi I am new to this site and even to DC. I have many questions and very much appreciate all of the information that this forum offers.

I have DC in both of my hands. One hand has cords and a 10 degree contraction, the other hand is a mere bump. My questions are
1. Will RT work for both hands ?
2. Is there someplace in the US that offers the same RT treatment that is offered in Germany?
3. How much does treatment in U.S. cost?
4. Does Anthem BCBS cover the expense in the US as well as in Germany?

Thank you for the help,

Barton

I too have a similar question:

Other posters have mention that their U.S. insurance plans have covered the treatments in Germany, in some cases even the travel, due to the tremendously lower costs. How do I find out if my BCBS would offer such a thing? Do I call them directly? Is there a special department?

callie:

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I am in the middle of trying to get RT covered by my insurance. I called the insurance company direct and gave them the codes which have been listed on some of the posts here. They told me that my doctor at the oncology center would have to submit the codes and then they would tell him if it was covered and how much. I am going on a trip for two weeks so I won't find out until I get back. Each insurance company has its own personality.

Barton,

I would have answered some of your questions earlier, but I broke a finger and have not been in the forum.

I had RT for a nodule in my right hand. The Rt worked and it stopped the progression, which stopped the cord from growing. RT does not treat cords, it is meant for nodules.

Yes, there are doctors in the US that follow the German Protocol. My doctor did and he is at Southeast Radiation and Oncology in Charlotte, NC.

The cost 2 &1/2 years ago was around $13,000. I paid about $2000.00 for my treatment. I had to pay for an MRI and that was around $1200-1500 dollars. The balance was co-pays.

I do not know if BCBS will pay for overseas treatment. The only way to know is to call your benefits area and ask them. My insurance is with BCBS and I would be curious to hear their answer.

If you have any more questions, please ask. Due to my injury it is hard to type so my answers will be short.

Lori

Callie,

RT works in myofibroblasts and there are very little of them in cords (although the core of a cord still has them). Mostly they are in nodules. Therefore nodules are the prime target for RT. Cords can be irradiated, and when irradiating nodules it's often impossible to avoid irradiating cords. But the ourcome is not as good as for nodules. RT won't help with contracture. It's a means to avoid contracture not to resolve it.

Wolfgang

callie:

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lori,

You said, "it won't work on cords". Are you saying that the cords are not radiated? Or, did you mean that RT would not work on contracture?

Anyone else have this information from the literature?