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[Guest guest]

Dear Ed,

I am a self pay too (don't have insurance) but also on kind of a discount

program for drugs and doc visit and some labs. I think what you're being charged

sounds OK. Here is a breakdown of my BMB/BMA with lab cost (everything minus the

PCR because they did FISH etc):

Office procedure for the actual BMB/BMA: $96.00

Two office visit prior to that and subsequent to receive results: $130 ($65

each)

(lab draw for CBC was included in this charge)

US labs charge: $2,500 for FISH and other analysis of the BMB (excludes PCR).

This is a discounted rate that they would charge Medicare. Individual rate is

about 7,000.00 if you don't pay for it up front.

GLEEVAC: FREE!! (but now on Sprycel)

so, cost about 4,500.00. (I think the PCR would have cost more)

Also, Novartis is fabulous about sharing. They have patient assistance program

for uninsured folk who don't make over a certain amount (pretty liberal). You

can call them directly. They will ask your annual income and a few simple

questions and tell you right then if they can qualify you for 30 day supply then

subsequently fill out app for 12 month supply. They are very nice. Novartis has

a website

http://www.corporatecitizenship.novartis.com/patients/drug-pricing/assistance-pr\

ograms.shtml

Phone 1-800-277-2254 (finding this on website might take a bit, so probably

easier to just call and they can mail app with first 30 day supply. They'll

need your annual income, your onco name phone and fax and a ICD-9 code (you can

get from onco office. Hope that helps. I have 8 Gleevac left that I gave to my

oncologist office. If they still have it I can send it to you. The quicker you

call the better. They are pretty quick as long as your onco office faxes over

the Rx right away. (took me exactly one week but was over Thanksgiving holiday

too!!) I hope that helps.

If you need anything else let me know. I would love to compare pricing......

Feel better soon. I just went through all of this 2 months ago.

Marrianne