| When you are living with acute or chronic pain, | | | | gave me enough samples for the first month. I |
| pain management can be very valuable; however, | | | | am hopeful that he will be able to convince the |
| the cost associated with it can add stress to your | | | | insurance company that it is to their advantage |
| life, which can actually increase your pain. Even | | | | for me to have these medications. |
| with insurance coverage, most people have | | | | This brings me to the samples that your doctor |
| deductibles and out -of -pocket expenses that | | | | can give you. Pharmaceutical manufacturers |
| they must pay. There are several ways that | | | | provide doctors offices with lots and lots of |
| these expenses can be dealt with. First of all, sit | | | | samples. They do this in order to entice the |
| down with an account rep for your pain | | | | doctors to prescribe their products to their |
| management physician/center. If your co-pay is | | | | patients. Often the doctors remember to |
| higher than normal, explain your financial situation | | | | prescribe the products, but they don't think to |
| to him/her. They may actually be willing to work | | | | offer the samples. It is up to you to ask for |
| with you to reduce, even eliminate the | | | | them. I just left the doctors office this week, |
| co-payment. The same option also works with | | | | with a large bag that contained a full month's |
| some physical therapy centers. Depending on the | | | | supply of three different medications. One of |
| ones you use, they may be willing to work for | | | | these is a prescription that I have been on for |
| just the amount the insurance will pay. It's rare, | | | | over a year, but never had to buy, even once. |
| but definitely worth asking about. | | | | Over 80% of a physician's income usually comes |
| Prescription pain medications can get really | | | | from insurance companies. If you are having a |
| expensive, especially the newer ones on the | | | | hard time paying your share, it is very important |
| market. In my insurance provider's information | | | | that you make payments every month. If all you |
| booklet, it states that if they do not cover a | | | | can pay is $5/mo, just make sure your do that. |
| particular drug that your physician has | | | | They need and want their money, but as long as |
| recommended, your physician can call them and | | | | they see you are trying to pay at least |
| discuss it with them. They may be willing to pay | | | | something on it every month, usually, they will not |
| for the medication under certain circumstances. | | | | turn you over to a collection agency. I have paid |
| This applies to two medications that I have just | | | | off a lot, lot of medical bills by paying a very little |
| been prescribed. My physician is calling the | | | | amount monthly on each one. |
| insurance company to talk with them himself. He | | | | |