Tricare and Zoledronic acid

Luckylis

Just wondering if anyone has been told post chemo to have an injection of Zoledronic acid? Having lived in Guam the last 3 years with only one oncologist on island, had this done to the tune of $1200.  Tricare wouldn't touch it (never paid after 2 appeals), as was not necessary they said.  I'm 40, don't really need the osteoporosis IV every quarter :P

On a further note, I cannot get a Naval Hospital employee to renew my Tamoxifen rx for nothin....they look at me like I'm cursed.

Lis 

lauri

My onc is keeping an eye on my osteopenia and said if it's worse on the next bone density exam she may prescribe Zometa -- but noted that it's hard to get insurance companies to agree to it,.  (Evidently, it's easier on Medicare -- greater risk of osteoporosis)

lauri

By the way -- just checked and it looks like the Medicare Plan D policies only pays about 30% after deductible (and before donut hole) AND require prior authorization.  My guess is that if you have bone mets, there's no problem getting authorization but if you don't and your doctor won't say you need it for osteoporosis, the insurance companies can deny it legally.

Luckylis

Well, I don't qualify for Medicare quite yet and my bone scan was fine.  This quack just was padding his pockets I guess.

Lis