Ahhh. Another Remicade Infusion Today...

[djpoptart92]

Going to chalk up another Remicade infusion today. I've been getting these since I think, 1999. I can't remember when I started getting them. I get it every 8 weeks, for the rest of my life, or until something else comes around.

Only thing that bothers me with my infusions, is the "not so swift" nurses who poke me with the damn IV. Sometimes they do good, other times, they just cant get the vein.

Thats the only thing I have problems with.

Luckily the hospital has satelitte tv, so theres always a movie on tv to watch while it infuses. They always ask me tho, how fast do I want to get it. I tried it at 2 hours, felt really wierd so I had them slow it back down to 2.5 hours.

Has anyone ever seen an itemized invoice/bill for each Remicade infusion?

My last infusions invoice that they submit to my insurance:

Pre-Meds (Benadryl and Tylenol) = $12.00
Sterile Saline = $25.24
IV Tubing = $200.00 (FOR FRIGGIN' TUBING)
The special filter for the tubing = $200.00
Infliximab injection = $8,548.30

$8500 BUCKS FOR INFLIXIMAB!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now when I first started getting it, when I saw the invoice, I about choked.

Back then it was near $15,000 per infusion.

Ever wonder how an average person who can't get insurance by any means, can afford something like this?

Its unreal. 12 bucks for tylonal and bendryl....lol

I will scan my invoice if some of you think i am fibbin' here. lol

Welp, gotta go..... later taters. :thumleft:

 

[Beach bum]

I have only recently started, will be getting my third dose tomorrow.

Have you been on it for all these years successfully?
As in no side effects or complications and presumably it's doing the trick for you?
I think I am only getting it for a year and then they will see how I go.

Once again I praise my luck for being born in the UK, lousy weather maybe but free treatment - yay !

 

[ThanksP]

That's ridiculous! My insurance is billed $3000 but will only pay $900 or so, the doc's office has to eat the balance. Sounds like your doctor's office is billing for whatever your insurance company is willing to pay, no necessarily what it costs. That's insane.

 

[djpoptart92]

Beach Bum: Yes I was one of the very first to get Remicade. The first day, I had "bigwigs" from Jannsen there to watch me the whole time. When I first started to get it, I would get headaches and it made me tired(probably due to the Benadryl). As far as side effects now, nothing. Remicade has been a godsend to me. I have been in remission now for years, and other then visiting the bathroom many times, I have no signs of Crohns.

But each person reacts differently. I've read a bunch of posts from people who have had bad effects, or can't tolerate it in general.


ThanksP: Its actually the hospital I get my Remicade at that does all that billing. When I get my itemized statement from my recent Remicade infusion, I will scan it and post it so everyone can have their eyes pop out of their head in shock. Thats about how I felt when I read that.

 

[Earnellzwifey]

I have been on remy for about 8 months now at the 8 wk dose of only 5 mg and my bill looks like that too. I am on it for Behcet's though. My CD is still not under control so t hey are looking at maxing me out on 10 mg every 4 wks. I would love to be a fly on the wall when my insurance see that change take effect.

So far the remy has worked great for my other issues I just hope when they kick it up it sends me into remission also.