Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
In this Article
What are alternatives for photodynamic therapy?
It is important to understand
that as with any medical treatment, there are alternative treatments and options
to PDT. You may want to discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor
at your consultation appointment.
There are many options for treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), including
but not limited to freezing (cryotherapy or cryosurgery), burning, chemical
peels, lasers, chemotherapy creams (like fluorouracil and immune
modulator creams like imiquimod), local radiation, plastic surgery,
curettage and desiccation (scrape and burn), surgical removal, no treatment, and
other choices depending on the skin condition.
In acne, there are many alternatives to PDT, including oral Accutane
(isotretinoin), oral antibiotics, topical washes, acne facials, and many acne
creams.
What about insurance coverage and costs?
Photodynamic therapy is currently
considered a medical service for the treatment of some conditions, particularly
for skin precancers called AKs. However, it may be considered cosmetic, off'
label, or not medically indicated for conditions for which it is regularly used.
Currently, some insurance plans cover the procedure under their provided
benefits. However, with the many changes in insurance plans, it is always
advisable to contact your insurance carrier prior to scheduling any treatment
and confirm your eligibility and benefits.
Photodynamic therapy, like any procedure, will result in additional procedure
charges above the routine office-visit fees. These fees may range from two to
several hundred dollars depending on the area, number of treatments, and the
type of insurance you purchase. The greater number of treatments and greater the
amount of photosensitizer medication required, the higher the cost.
Insurance benefits vary, and reimbursement depends on what benefits you have
contracted for with your insurance company. Currently, Medicare generally
typically covers 80% of photodynamic therapy for precancers. If you have a
secondary insurance plan, that may help cover the remaining 20% not covered by
Medicare.
Standard commercial or non-Medicare insurances currently generally may cover
a large percentage of PDT for precancers unless you have to meet an out-of-pocket deductible first. You may want to get to know and understand your
insurance benefits before having surgery. In many cases, you may also ask the
billing office at the medical center or your insurance coordinator for an
approximate estimate of your charges before scheduling the procedure.
Next: What about other treatments options? »
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