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In this Article

• What is bone marrow?
• Who is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant?
• Where does the transplanted bone marrow come from?
• What happens before the transplant?
• Central Venous catheter placement
• Stimulating your white blood cells
• Bone marrow harvesting
• Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
• What happens during the transplant?
• Will my insurance provider cover my bone marrow transplant?
• Bone Marrow Transplantation for Breast Cancer Index
• Find a local Oncologist in your town

What Happens During The Transplant?

The day you receive your bone marrow transplant, the harvested bone marrow is infused into a vein through an intravenous tube. The bone marrow looks like dark, thick blood. It migrates to the large bone cavities (breast bone, skull, hips, ribs and spine), and begins producing normal blood cells after several weeks.

Will My Insurance Provider Cover My Bone Marrow Transplant?

Insurance reimbursement for bone marrow transplantation is not automatic. Many insurance companies require precertification letters of medical necessity.

As soon as you know that a bone marrow transplant is a possibility, contact your insurance carrier. Don't assume your insurance will cover any or all costs associated with your transplant. It is essential to know your rights as a patient, understand your insurance policy, enlist the support of your employer, and have your physician work closely with you and your insurer to cover your bone marrow transplant.