Back from Scans! EasyBreasy!

Just an FYI, Killmel. I and 30 other fellow ratties participated in an early BMS Phase 1 trial of Nivolumab (now Opdivo) that began in 2010. BMS did provide the drug and the research labs they wanted. HOWEVER, they did NOT cover REQUIRED doctor visits, labs, scans, time in the infusion room, hospital charges, or supplies. We ratties had to cover all those costs with our own dollars or through our insurance coverage (which of course required the usual copays and deductibles). The trial contract also noted that neither BMS, the provider, nor the institution would be held responsible for any side effects or poor outcomes we might experience. Meaning they would not be considered guilty of inflicting harm, nor would they pay for any care needed to cover the development of those potential side effects. Not all trials run that way, but many do. Sharing because it was a real eye opener for me and my family and I haven’t blinked since!!!! That said, there are various entities and groups who can help cover those kinds of costs as well as transportation for those in need in some cases.

For what it is worth! c

Celeste, thank you for sharing your situation with the clinical trial experience. That’s an eye opener for sure.

I had heard and wondered if true, if a patient doesn’t have insurance or the insurance doesn’t cover out of network, like with Mike’s situation with Kaiser Insurance which will not pay the doctors (Hamid) & services (ie: biopsy scans, blood labs associated with the clinical trial, that the pharma sponsor of the clinical trial will pick up the cost for doctors ( DR Hamid) & services (ie: biopsy scans, blood labs associated with the clinical trial) because Kaiser will not pay for the costs.

That’s why I was interested in knowing if Dr Hamid or the trial nurse said anything to Mike about the pharma sponsor picking up costs because Kaiser is not. It seems to me that since Mike is being the Rattie for the pharma sponsor trial and since Kaiser isn’t picking up Mike’s cost, it’s only fair that the pharma pick up the cost because Mike’s insurance won’t.

Yes, when Pharma laments the costs and tribulations they must endure in order to bring a drug to market….you’d think they’d be happy to have ratties and help us in every way. Unfortunately, they often know they can get more desperate ratties where those came from and don’t worry their pretty little heads about it. NOW….with that said….most institutions running the trials have good social service departments and associations that CAN amend/waive charges and gain assistance from drug companies for patients/ratties who are in dire straits and without funding. Plus, there are many outside agencies that can help out with costs as well. Occasionally, trials run differently…those at NIH are often “free”…but many are as I experienced.

On a brighter note, as I understand it, Mike is going to be able to switch to a different insurance situation that Hamid and his institution does accept and Hamid has noted that he is willing to work with Mike. But, Mike would be better able to answer the particulars of all that.

Didn’t mean to barge into all this…but it is a huge pet peeve (really it’s much bigger than a ‘peeve’!!!!!) of mine that ratties are treated in this manner!!! But, I feel I should share it because my experience certainly illuminates the necessity to read the fine print in the 9 zillion papers one signs upon entering a trial. I would make all this roll SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO differently if only I could be queen of the world for one day! HA! – c