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Re: Does Medicare cover Proton Beam Radiation Therapy?
Aloha R Scott,
It appears that you are repeating what you were told by the proton advocates and that is exactly what is in dispute in the saga of EBRT Vs. Protons. Both are radiation & both deliver a dose to the body. Where & how much that dose is depends on the doc prescribing the dose and those doc's do make mistakes (as in my case). The only difference between the two treatments is cost, and the Proton sellers make a bundle of cash. If a man is sold on proton treatment, he should be allowed to pay for it out of his pocket, not ours.
Joe
Re: Does Medicare cover Proton Beam Radiation Therapy?
Please do not start an argument for and against Proton Beam Therapy.
There can be no resolution to such arguments which tend to inflame men with very strong views one way or the other.
The fact of the matter is that there are no good, independent studies that demonstrate the superiority of Proton Beam Therapy. It may be better, it may have fewer side effects, but all evidence is anecdotal and not supported by good studies.
I will close down this thread if the argument continues, although posts answering Terry's original question about coverage will be welcomed.
Re: Does Medicare cover Proton Beam Radiation Therapy?
Terry:
Joe H's response appears to be "right on".
As part of your research effort I suggest you Google UFPTI then click on:
"University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute response to prostate cancer treatment comparison published Dec. 13, 2012 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute" in the right hand column.
