Table of Contents
Stem cell therapy offers the promise of tissue regeneration, pain relief, and health for many patients. But since the therapy is still very much experimental, it can be very expensive.
Unfortunately, the cost of stem cell therapy can range greatly. Some patients are able to gain access to treatment for as little as $2,500. While others spend more than $100,000 on care.
Read on to understand more about how much does stem cell therapy cost. And, make an informed decision for the care of yourself or a loved one.
The Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are being studied as a promising treatment option for people fighting a range of diseases and injuries. Successful experiments have been performed using blood stem cells to treat blood diseases, saving the lives of many children undergoing leukemia treatment.
They have also been used to repair skin tissue using grafts and have treated eye and bone injuries. As clinical trials go on, more is being understood about their ability to treat conditions. And, new avenues are being explored every year of ways to use stem cells.
But there is still a lot more to know before stem cells are able to catch up with their hype. In order to make an educated decision about whether stem cell therapy can work for you, you need to look at the information available about your condition.
Read more about the benefits of stem cell therapy to discover if it might be an option for you.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost
Most health plans don’t cover stem cell therapy since it is considered experimental. That means that the cost of stem cell therapy usually comes all out of pocket for patients.
The average stem cell therapy treatment costs about $5,000. It is most often undertaken by patients who have done their own research and decided to pursue this course. They most often want to use their own stem cells. Although, some report getting stem cells from a clinic or bank.
Stem cell treatment used to be something that patients had to travel outside of the United States for. But today, the cost has come down here allowing more people to have access.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Treatment
The primary factor affecting the cost of stem cell treatment is the depth of the treatment and how much time is spent with the patient. In order to decide how intensive of a treatment is needed, a doctor must study the patient’s condition and make a plan.
Some patients may be able to see the results they want with one treatment. Others may need to seek out multiple treatment regimens before they are able to.
In order to minimize the cost, potential patients should try to find out-patient therapy options that are less invasive and don’t require you to take time out to heal.
It is a simple procedure that will allow you to leave the same day, rather than having to pay for an expensive hospital stay and the cost of anesthesia. Going to an out-patient therapy session is also less likely to result in you needing to take pain medication. That is an important factor for patients who might be at risk for addiction.
Ways to Save on Treatment
Although insurance companies don’t cover this treatment option, there are still other ways to find economical treatment options.
Since stem cells are very much still in a research phase, consider taking part in a study that will use your results to help develop better care for future patients. Oftentimes these kinds of studies will provide you with everything from the cost of treatment, to your transportation to get there and your continued care after treatment.
These studies will play a valuable role in shaping the way stem cells are used in the future. Your care could be the key to someone’s future survival.
Another way to save on treatment is by shopping around at various healthcare clinics that offer the treatment. Since using stem cells this way is still so new, you will find that the prices offered from doctor to doctor vary greatly.
How to Fund Your Treatment
If you aren’t able to become part of a research study and can’t find a doctor in your town that offers treatment in your price range, then you still have options.
To fund your treatment, consider applying to University studies and waiting to see if they might be able to get you into some sort of program.
You may also be able to raise some money for your treatment by asking friends and family to contribute. You will have to explain to them what the treatment entails, how it can help you, and what kind of results you can expect to see.
Avoid Taking Out a Loan
Although stem cell treatment has a promising future, it is very much in its infancy. There is still little research to back up its use for most conditions.
Before you take out a loan for the amount of a used car to pursue a risky treatment option, consider what other options you have available to you. While stem cell therapy may be a reasonable and affordable option for people in the future, it may not be the best option for you right now.
Don’t take out a loan for treatment. If it doesn’t work out the way you planned, you could end up still unable to work from your pain and with more debt hanging over your head.
More Helpful Healthcare Articles
Now that you have learned the answer to, “how much does stem cell therapy cost”, you can make an educated decision on whether you think it might be a good treatment option for your condition.
For more helpful articles to improve your health and get feeling better soon, check out our blog today.