This is a common question for many patients, and understandably so. Knowing the financial aspect of your treatment is important. However, the answer isn’t straightforward due to the complexity and variability involved. Several factors influence the cost of radiation therapy, making it different for each patient.
Our Commitment to You
At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to working with your insurance company to secure approval for your therapy and inform you of any financial obligations before your treatment begins.
How Do We Determine Radiation Therapy Costs?
Calculating the cost of radiation therapy involves considering various factors:
- Type of Cancer and Best Treatment Method: The nature of your cancer influences the treatment plan.
- Insurance Coverage: Your insurance policy details, including co-insurance or daily copays, affect the cost.
- Treatment Complexity: Some therapies are more expensive than others due to their complexity.
- Number of Treatments: Treatments can range from a single session to 45 sessions, influencing the overall cost.
Working with Your Insurance
Once your physician develops your treatment plan, we collaborate with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
Understanding Insurance Terms
- Co-Insurance: After meeting your deductible, co-insurance is a percentage of the cost you are responsible for. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, and your insurance covers 80% after that, you would pay the first $1,000 and 20% of the remaining costs.
- Daily Copay: Some plans require a copay at each treatment session, similar to an office visit.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is the most you would have to pay during your plan year. Once reached, your insurance covers costs beyond that amount.
Insurance Coverage for Radiation
Some insurance plans cover radiation therapy entirely. After your treatment plan is approved, we submit it to your insurance company, which sets an “allowable” amount for your therapy.
What Will My Treatment Cost?
The cost of radiation therapy can vary widely, typically ranging from $4,500 to $50,000, depending on treatment type and duration. Most patients have the majority of this cost covered by insurance. Costs generally include:
- All treatments
- Imaging during treatment
- Continuous monitoring by physicists and physicians
- Weekly physician visits
- CT simulation and planning
- Personalized positioning devices
Billing Details
Charges are billed to your insurance under the name of the physician present in the clinic on the day of your visit. You might also see charges for planning done on days when you are not at the clinic.
Payment Options
We aim to make your care affordable. If you have payment concerns, we offer several options:
- Pay-as-you-go: Suitable for daily copay patients.
- Bill Payment: Receive a bill and pay in installments if needed.
- Financial Assistance: Available based on income level, especially for uninsured patients. We encourage patients to inquire about the Jeanne Shepherd Fund, which provides financial assistance to those undergoing cancer treatment, helping to ease the financial burden for patients in need.
We’re Here to Help
Before starting treatment, we review your insurance benefits and provide an estimated cost. For questions about your financial responsibility or insurance, please call us at 256-319-5450. For billing inquiries, contact our billing office at 256-327-5724.