9 replies to this topic

[Goldfinger]

HI Everyone-

Hope everyone is doing OK. Been awhile since I posted but insurance changes have brought me back here seeking knowledge of the wise ones.

For the past 3 years now I've been going to the Dr every three months for my CBC, check up and every six months for a bone marrow biopsy, My question is simple. Are twice a year biopsies really necessary?  Just seems like a waste of time and money considering the odds of a mutation. Another question I have is this. What do biopsies cost? My present insurance covers everything so I don't have a clue what they charge for the procedure and the ensuing report. I always have the local anesthesia and not the knockout one. Don't know if that makes a difference of not. I figure there wouldn't be that much difference in the cost nationwide but I could be wrong about that.

Thanks

Steve

[CallMeLucky]

The need for bone marrow biopsy is driven by your response to treatment.  If you have reached a complete cytogenetic response, (FISH negative) then it should only be necessary to have PCR to monitor.  In the even the PCR starts to go up, then a biopsy would be prudent to see what is going on.  To continue doing BMB on a stable patient who has achieved MMR would see unnecessary.  Besides the time and money, they aren't the most pleasant things to do if not necessary.

I don't know off hand the cost, I would have to dig through my old EOB statements.

[Susan61]

Hi Steve:  Lucky explained it very well.  I had to do BMB every 3 months until I achieved my cytogenetic response.  Once I got to that point they started just doing a PCR on me, which 2 years later I was at PCRU.  The only time they are going to do a BMB on you after having a good response is if they see a increase in your counts.

     I had seen a new Oncologist after I had been PCRU for  years, and he wanted to do a BMB on me to check to see if I had any mutations.  Well thats when I changed Oncologists, and that was 2 years ago.  I am due in 2 weeks for my 6 month PCR test. God Willing I will be PCRU again which would make it 9 years

   I have never received a bill for any of my BMB since day one.  I used to get a BMB done in the hospital with sedation, as I could not take the pain with the local.  Ask your Oncologist if you are at the point where you can just do PCR testing instead of these BMB.  You said you have been doing it this way for 3 years, but if you are in complete Cytogenetic Response I cannot see why you should have to endure a BMB.

[Lizzybee]

My onc only does a bmb at diagnosis unless there is a problem.

[Trey]

After CCyR BMBs are not necessary unless CCyR is lost.

[Goldfinger]

Thanks everyone!!!!  Now I get to give them a piece of my mind!!!

Steve

[annsher88]

Hi Steve! I don't know the answer to that question myself.

Healing and Prayers to you!

Annie

Message was edited by: Abena

[reedmary3]

Check out this article: http://blogs.reuters...with-healthtap/. Hope it helps you Steve!