Victor, I’m sorry about the mis info. I guess the 2500. I stated must have included pharm cost... If so – they are making a nice amt. I am sorry – I thought I was sure but I did forget about the pharm cost.

Ref BCBS – How did BCBS just raise your rate. I was told my rate would remain the same till 1-09 when the increase every one. Also do you not have a ded. and copay? I have a max out of pocket per year. My policy does not look at this as a drug, but as treatment. I would think no matter the state it would be looked at the same.

Last – When I had to call touch they asked me if I needed financial assistance. I would consider looking into that.

I'm getting afraid of what this is going to cost me.

I haven't received any bills or statements yet...but I just checked Blue Shield's website - and they have processed the claim. The infusion center charged roughly $3000, BS allows $2700...my cost is about $520. (I have a 20% copay). I don't believe this cost includes the Tysabri itself.

I can not believe that a place can charge $2700 for me to sit in a chair for 3 hrs - a nurse put in the I/V, took it out, and that's it.

Oh, part of that charge was nearly $300 for the "consult" with the doctor. Okay - was with doc for a total of 5 minutes (if that)! Only saving grace is that my copay is only $35 for the consult portion. The kicker is - my neurologist's billed charge to Blue Shield is HALF that amount - and he spends over an hour with me!! If my neuro is reading this - he ought to charge BS more (I only have a $35 copay regardless for office visits). But the bulk of the charge was for the infusion itself - and I don't think that includes the meds - but I'm not sure. It's just listed as "Office Medical"

Okay - you know what - I'm going to choose to believe, for the next 12 hrs (until I can call the infusion center) that the actual big portion (the $2550) is for the med itself. Besides for that part, there is the 300$ charge for the consult, then three others that are also listed as "Office Medical" - one for 90$, one for 30$, and one for $1. Geez, I'm really glad that I didn't opt for them to provide the benadryl!

I know that when I had the IVSM (at home) - the medication was listed as "pharmacy" - but I think that Tysabri wouldn't be listed that way? Okay, I'm stressing myself out....I guess with all that has happened on this road, I'm trying to prepare myself for the "worst".... I hope I can get an answer tomorrow.

Oh, Sheena, I asked TOUCH for their financial assistance program - it took over two weeks for the organization (not TOUCH) to mail me an applicaton...and with the application, they want a whole slew of stuff - and I'm just SO tired...the idea of gathering a million papers for them...I don't have it in me! sigh. I think they want everything including my shoe size! Guess I need to start working on that. Of course, by the time I'm either approved or denied for the assistance, I will have met my annual copay maximum. LOL

Red - I think the 2550 is for the med too. My center billed about 5200 for all but BCBS gave them the contracted amt. I think their contracted amt for meds and all is approx 3000. I've sent pm. If you can find a Dr. office with a infusion center in it then I do not believe it will it your co-pay. For me so far (in a dr office) I did not get the co-pay hit. I'm not sure about the ded as mine was used up on the MRI. Hope this helps some

Got to love how much these places cost us if we have no ins (5200) -vs- what they will take just to be on with BCBS...(3000)

I had Ty #1 this morning. No side effects, no pain, no headache, no allergy meds, no allergic reaction. I just feel a lot calmer now that it's over.

I know this can change each month, but it was really OK.

It was so much easier than I thought.

I recommend the following:
1-bring a book, MP3 player, magazines, water
2-request pediatric needles if you have narrow, rollin' veins like me
3-drink more water and eat before the appt (now I know)

Thanks, guys!

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(1) Yep, they are making a HUGE amount on Tysabri.

(2) BC/BS can raise their rates at any time unless you have a gaurantee in writing. They will continue to raise their rates.

(3) I did call TOUCH and they cannot help.

Could be worse....

-Vic

I hope that it does wonders for you!

Is it not great how easy the process is? I have to admit that the simplicity is really amazing.

Good for you!

-Vic

Glad to hear it all went well!!
Now you get to sit back and relax and let the med do it's work!

Victor, I'm sorry about touch. Now, I'm worried about BCBS for 2 reasons. 1 your reply meaning my agent lied, 2 a lady in the Dr office today is having prob getting them to pay. If I have a prob, I'll have to go out. I'm on credit cards to make the ins prem each mo. We all have money prob in this economy. Good Luck

Infusion #2 today. All went fine.

Glad to hear you got the infusion with no further problems! How's your leg doing? Has the swelling gone down?