Hi @jim20403, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In addition to the first hand responses you've already received from members, I'd like to add this information.
Colleen, Thank you very much for your speedy reply. I was looking for a prostate cancer discussion group when I found this one at the Mayo Clinic. It appears to be one of the best! Sadly, I am not near a proton facility at either of those operated by the Mayo Clinic and its just too far to travel especially in this time of COVID-19. I live in Virginia and will be treated at one of the hospitals not far from here. Although the hospital and the proton center have a wonderful reputation, they don't seem to have separate staff who work directly with the patients in a proactive way on Medicare and insurance matters. It's been very difficult getting a straight patient-friendly answer regarding Medicare and insurance coverage. I applaud the Mayo Clinic for having both this website and specialists who work with patients (who are already stressed from their diagnosis) on insurance matters. Jim
Good morning @jim20403. My life partner had 7 weeks of Proton Beam Therapy at Rochester using Medicare and a supplement that costs about $200/month. The Initial cost was $10,000. His share was under $1,000. You can chat with your insurance folks and see how they can help you figure out the cost and your share. Good luck. Be safe and protected.
Chris
I am considering Proton Beam Therapy for my prostate cancer. It sounds as if it is a very promising therapy but it is considerably more expensive.. Does anyone have experience with Medicare covering proton therapy for prostate cancer?
I recently received proton therapy at Univ of Fla Proton institute in Jacksonville.
Extremely pleased with entire process. Total cost approx 60k. Medicare and AARP supplement paid for entire cost of treatment. Not a penny of out of pocket cost.
Probably the finest proton therapy center in USA. Was diagnosed with PC by Mayo Jax. Even though Mayo Jax is currently developing 200 million + proton facility in Jax . Mayo Jax never once suggested I seek treatment locally at UF facility.
Very disgusting TURF war.
Hi @cmartin65
As you likely already know, proton beam (charged particle) is the newest type of stereotactic radiotherapy and is available in only a few research centers in the U.S., although the number of centers offering proton beam therapy has increased in the last few years. It can use fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to treat body tumors over several sessions. Proton beam SBRT may be used to treat tumors that have previously received radiation therapy, or those that are near critical organs.
In June I had 5 sessions of SBRT for my lung cancer in Mayo in Mn with Dr Parks will be going to Mayo Arizona for 3 month CT scan tomorrow I am praying for some good news
Hi @cmartin65
As you likely already know, proton beam (charged particle) is the newest type of stereotactic radiotherapy and is available in only a few research centers in the U.S., although the number of centers offering proton beam therapy has increased in the last few years. It can use fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to treat body tumors over several sessions. Proton beam SBRT may be used to treat tumors that have previously received radiation therapy, or those that are near critical organs.
does anyone done the 5 session SBRT treatments at Mayo clinic in Mn. for lung cancer..and what was the outcome i have done it will get my Ct scan tomorrow..anyone
does anyone done the 5 session SBRT treatments at Mayo clinic in Mn. for lung cancer..and what was the outcome i have done it will get my Ct scan tomorrow..anyone
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Colleen, Thank you very much for your speedy reply. I was looking for a prostate cancer discussion group when I found this one at the Mayo Clinic. It appears to be one of the best! Sadly, I am not near a proton facility at either of those operated by the Mayo Clinic and its just too far to travel especially in this time of COVID-19. I live in Virginia and will be treated at one of the hospitals not far from here. Although the hospital and the proton center have a wonderful reputation, they don't seem to have separate staff who work directly with the patients in a proactive way on Medicare and insurance matters. It's been very difficult getting a straight patient-friendly answer regarding Medicare and insurance coverage. I applaud the Mayo Clinic for having both this website and specialists who work with patients (who are already stressed from their diagnosis) on insurance matters. Jim
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1 ReactionChris, Thank you for your reply. Good luck to you and I hope your partner continues to be in good health. Jim
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1 ReactionI recently received proton therapy at Univ of Fla Proton institute in Jacksonville.
Extremely pleased with entire process. Total cost approx 60k. Medicare and AARP supplement paid for entire cost of treatment. Not a penny of out of pocket cost.
Probably the finest proton therapy center in USA. Was diagnosed with PC by Mayo Jax. Even though Mayo Jax is currently developing 200 million + proton facility in Jax . Mayo Jax never once suggested I seek treatment locally at UF facility.
Very disgusting TURF war.
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1 ReactionHi Sparkyconnect, Thanks for the information.
In June I had 5 sessions of SBRT for my lung cancer in Mayo in Mn with Dr Parks will be going to Mayo Arizona for 3 month CT scan tomorrow I am praying for some good news
does anyone done the 5 session SBRT treatments at Mayo clinic in Mn. for lung cancer..and what was the outcome i have done it will get my Ct scan tomorrow..anyone
Welcome @tomm1951. I encourage you to also post your question in the Lung Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/
Fingers crossed that your scan shows that the treatment helped.
I had proton beam therapy over 5 years ago. My PSA has remained at 0.1 I am very happy.
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