HIFU completed.

[BeachChuck]

I had the HIFU procedure May 13, 2016. I went home the same day and the only discomfort was the catheter. The catheter remained in for 10 days, and was removed yesterday. I have had no pain whatsoever. No bleeding, no leakage, no need for liners nor diapers. My urine stream is strong. My cancer tissues were burned with high intensity focused ultrasound and will be dying in the weeks/months to come. I have my first PSA test in 3 months and I am hoping for a zero. I will post my results then, but so far I am feeling normal again.

[BTExpress]

How much was the HIFU treatment and did insurance help with it?? Do they have published success stories....and not so successful?

Thanks

[BeachChuck in reply to BTExpress]

The HIFU was $25K and the PVP was $8K. Insurance has not paid any thing yet, but I am appealing. I used Stephen Scionti in Sarasota. Check out the internet for success stories..

[JoelT]

Have my fingers crossed for you and for a PSA of ZERO

For others, wold you be willing to describe the procedure?

Joel

[herb1]

I don't understand why and how your insurance can refuse to pay. The procedure is now approved by Medicare and should be covered by other insurances as well. Remember, all these insurances usually play the game of denying--and waiting for people to appeal. Some percentage never do!

herb

[Hidden in reply to herb1]

I believe that the issue could be that the procedure is approved for some indications and not for conditions other than those.

[BeachChuck]

I am filing claims with Humana now. We'll see but I am in an HMO and they dont want you to go where you want to.....

[BeachChuck]

I had my first PSA test since procedure in May 2016. My doctor called to tell me the PSA is 0.1. He had told me not to get upset if the number came back high, because it normally takes time to get out of your system. He was as happy as I was. Filed all claims with Humana June 1. Six weeks later, I check with them as I have heard nothing. Find out that they denied all claims (no surprise here) and I will appeal.

It is my understanding that surgery, chemo, or radiation would all have costs more than this, but yet they deny. All I can say is it is the corruption of the health insurance industry. I will keep appealing as this is a terrific cost-effective way to handle this cancer. I hear also that HIFU is being used for breast cancer and saves the breast. Millions of women should be backing this procedure!

[Desanthony]

Hi BeachChuck,

You are so right about corrupt health insurance companies. Mostly they are the ones who make the most money. My grandsons live in the US with their Mother - in Florida actually, and a friend of theirs started a health insurance company many years ago now and I visited his place once. Most definitely a millionaire if not a billionaire. Obviously he has to make enough money to live but this was just amazing. He may not have been corrupt but he was making a great deal of money out of other people's misfortune.