PSMA-PET scan availibility

[Carp1707]

Any idea how long the wait time for PMSA-PET scans are, either in UCLA or UCSF?

I'm much closer to SF but would drive on to LA.

Also, when some other facilities will be approved to administer this test? I'm going to Hutch in Seattle and my med/onc is playing it close to vest, as in not talking about the possibility

[Hidden]

I didn't have any trouble at all getting in UCLA within a couple weeks when I contacted them last September on my own. I paid around $2800 cash. UCSF was fine to deal with also but it seemed like they wanted more money or wouldn't give me a firm price and the paperwork was more difficult to get through. Not sure why. if you need an email address, let me know.

[Carp1707 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that.

[Schwah]

It’s running almost 60 days now. It’s getting busier because of the FDA approval. They also raise the price to about 3200. Most insurance company should cover it soon but not yet. I go in February 21 for mine. Believe it or not it will be number four for me. First three were all clear but with my PSA going up and still on a vacation, are use the scan to dictate when my vacation must end. I can’t use PSA Soley because I still have 60% of a healthy prostate. Schwah

[Hidden in reply to Schwah]

The question I would have is whether the radiation is harmful and what the cutoff is. I realize there aren't any good options for avoiding the radioactive scans if youwant to stay on top of it. Maybe there is no risk or little risk?

[Justfor_ in reply to Hidden]

In a youtube video an Austrelian radiologist said that the radiation of PSMA PET /CT is LESS than the established SoC combo of CT plus bone scan.

[mrssnappy]

UCLA was about 3 weeks out in Oct. last year and UCSF was limited because of COVID. UCFS ended up contacting us saying they would schedule (we were on a wait list), but we had already gone to UCLA. This was before FDA approval for these two facilities. I would guess that they are pretty busy these days after FDA approval, but perhaps they have figured out how to handle more scans. You need to consider what information might this scan show that will it change treatment? Will this scan eliminate or support something you are considering, will it provide information that could impact your next step in treatment? I asked when this may be at UC Health in Colorado and the response was....we do not know, but we are ready when it is available.

[tennis4life]

I called for appointment at UCLA last week and got in for my scan on Feb 18th.

[MateoBeach]

Read your history and you definitely would qualify to benefit from the info that could be found in a PSMA scan. Used to be just a two week wait at UCLA but not sure now. Call and talk to the scheduler and get in line. You will need to have a referral form signed by some doc on your team. No reason for them not to since you are paying.

[lss65]

My guy called UCLA yesterday and was told they are scheduling mid-March now, and he will receive a call back with actual date.