Re: Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

[Guest guest]

I needed a diagnosis of hypogonadism.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

I have had Medco drug coverage for the past 2 plus years. I just went on

Medicare plus supplemental this month I still have Medco (same member number),

but now they tell me that I need prior authorization for my Testim, which I have

used for about 1.5 years, for their Medicare plan. They also need prior

authorization for Androgel I have to get my doctor to call them tomorrow and ask

for authorization.

Has anyone had to do this and, if so, what information did they use to grant

authorization? Was it just symptoms or did they require that total T had to be

below 250 or something like that? I was at 304 when my doctor started me on T

gel.

[Guest guest]

I was just switched to medco and yes they are requiring authorization. Just

another way for the insurance companies to try to control or medications.

________________________________

From: Bill <rverbill@...>

Sent: Wed, March 17, 2010 2:49:01 PM

Subject: Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

 

I have had Medco drug coverage for the past 2 plus years. I just went on

Medicare plus supplemental this month. I still have Medco (same member number),

but now they tell me that I need prior authorization for my Testim, which I have

used for about 1.5 years, for their Medicare plan. They also need prior

authorization for Androgel. I have to get my doctor to call them tomorrow and

ask for authorization.

Has anyone had to do this and, if so, what information did they use to grant

authorization? Was it just symptoms or did they require that total T had to be

below 250 or something like that? I was at 304 when my doctor started me on T

gel.

[Guest guest]

Thanks. I'll have to see how it goes. I would like to get off Testim (or

Androgel) because of the cost. I like the way that Testim has worked for me

though. I have asked my doctor (PCP) about shots, but he has only prescribed

gels. He said that he has sent patients to endos before, but they have not done

much to help. He said that they are usually happy if the guy is above 250, while

he thinks that guys have to be at least 500 to feel good. I'm thinking of

looking for a urologist in town who works with self administered shots. We have

about 6 area urologists.

>

> I needed a diagnosis of hypogonadism.

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

>

> I have had Medco drug coverage for the past 2 plus years. I just went on

Medicare plus supplemental this month I still have Medco (same member number),

but now they tell me that I need prior authorization for my Testim, which I have

used for about 1.5 years, for their Medicare plan. They also need prior

authorization for Androgel I have to get my doctor to call them tomorrow and ask

for authorization.

>

> Has anyone had to do this and, if so, what information did they use to grant

authorization? Was it just symptoms or did they require that total T had to be

below 250 or something like that? I was at 304 when my doctor started me on T

gel.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you are doing well on the Testim, you could change to a compounded cream.

The total cost is around $30/month without insurance. Of course, if you are

not doing well, shots would probably be your best alternative.

.

_____

From: [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Bill

Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:02 PM

Subject: Re: Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

Thanks. I'll have to see how it goes. I would like to get off Testim (or

Androgel) because of the cost. I like the way that Testim has worked for me

though. I have asked my doctor (PCP) about shots, but he has only prescribed

gels. He said that he has sent patients to endos before, but they have not

done much to help. He said that they are usually happy if the guy is above

250, while he thinks that guys have to be at least 500 to feel good. I'm

thinking of looking for a urologist in town who works with self administered

shots. We have about 6 area urologists.

>

> I needed a diagnosis of hypogonadism.

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> Medco coverage for Androgel or Testim

>

> I have had Medco drug coverage for the past 2 plus years. I just went on

Medicare plus supplemental this month I still have Medco (same member

number), but now they tell me that I need prior authorization for my Testim,

which I have used for about 1.5 years, for their Medicare plan. They also

need prior authorization for Androgel I have to get my doctor to call them

tomorrow and ask for authorization.

>

> Has anyone had to do this and, if so, what information did they use to

grant authorization? Was it just symptoms or did they require that total T

had to be below 250 or something like that? I was at 304 when my doctor

started me on T gel.

>

>

>

>

>