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Interesting question Warwick, I would say that Terry's last comment about the string is very appropriate. After completing my research of my treatment options I choose PBT. The most expensive method, but very close to IMRT. The great photon vs proton debate. Nonetheless, assuming that everyone has a PSA and biopsy, the cost (sticker price) of my treatment at Loma Linda was $170,000. My insurance company decided I wasn't worth that much due to depreciation and all, so they said no. I live in the USA and still work so I am privately insured i.e. my company pays the bills not the insurance company. So I appealed to my company and they agreed to pay.
Then the insurance company stepped back in and since they had negotiated a discount for PBT at LL (a service not covered under my policy????) they only paid $52,000 of the total bill.
Before I got my company to pay for the treatment I decided to pay for it myself in cash. That cost was $45,000.
So you've got to ask yourself, "how in the hell can there be such a big difference in cost for the same treatment and what is it really worth anyway?"
The amount I paid was pretty generous compared to what Medicare will pay for the same procedure, about $30,000. It seems like there should be greater equity in the world of health care. I'm sure if you look at any of the other treatments for PCa will find the same difference. It's would be like walking into a car dealer and the sticker says the car costs $100,000 and the dealer will sell it to you today for $30,000. It's like they are just making these numbers up to see if anyone will just pay that amount.
