A cancer diagnosis by itself is stressful and can be compounded by the financial burden incurred during cancer treatment. According to the American Journal of Medicine, two years after a cancer diagnosis 42.4% of patients will have depleted their entire life savings. A study published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health found that 2.3% of cancer survivors between the ages of 18-64 filed for bankruptcy as a result of the medical expenses they incurred during their treatments.
Everyone at Anova Cancer Care is fully aware of the burden patients often face in paying for their cancer treatment. We believe that CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery is not only an efficient cancer treatment but also a cost effective one.
In addition, we make every effort to keep down the expense of our patients’ cancer treatments with CyberKnife. Most insurance companies and Medicare cover CyberKnife treatment costs. We will review with our patients their insurance plans so we can assist in meeting requirements for coverage and obtaining pre-authorization for CyberKnife cancer treatment.
Questions to ask insurance providers about CyberKnife cancer treatment cost
If you have insurance, your first step will be to contact your insurance company to see what your health plan will cover. Be prepared by asking the following questions.
- Is Anova Cancer Care in my network? What are my co-payments for office visits and treatments?
- Does my plan include pharmacy coverage?
- Does my plan have any restrictions in drug coverage?
- Does my insurance plan offer any additional cancer care coverage?
- If I use an out-of-network provider, what percentage of my bill will be paid by the insurance company?
- Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor or insurance authorization before making an appointment at Anova Cancer Care?
- Will my initial appointment, testing, pathology or radiology with Anova Cancer Care be covered by my insurance plan?
Practical tips on managing your cancer medical bills
- Work with your medical providers to make sure they submit any bills to your insurance company in a timely manner. All medical bills should be submitted to your insurance.
- Review your bills and keep an up-to-date record of claims submitted and their status. Reconcile the Explanations of Benefits (EOB) your insurance company sends with your medical bills.
- Use a notebook or computer file to track all of your expenses.
- Document conversations with your insurance company and medical providers.
- Keep copies of everything related to your medical claims. Make sure these documents are organized.
Financial resources for CyberKnife cancer treatment costs
We encourage our cancer patients to utilize outside resources to help manage their cancer treatment costs. It is often possible to receive financial support for specific services, like transportation, home care, medications and more.
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition, a group of 14 organizations that helps cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting their financial challenges.
Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Support Helpline is for anyone affected by cancer. In addition to providing emotional support, the helpline offers referrals to financial resources.
The Patient Access Network Foundation helps underinsured individuals with their out-of-pocket costs.
Accuray, the manufacturer of the CyberKnife system, offers a resource page on the typical process of insurance reimbursement for CyberKnife treatments.
The Cancer Care organization provides services to help cancer patients with resources on coping with cancer care including financial and co-pay assistance.