This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

My wife is waiting for her call from Dr. Siskin in NY. We put her name on the waiting list in early May. We are in Canada so we have to pay the full cost. There is no insurance to help us. Can anyone tell me the cost of the full treatment in Albany? I have been unable to get this information.
Thanks,
Bruce.

I think it's on their website. I seem to remember their admin person saying that it "started at 3k". What that means and where it ends , I don't know.

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RRMS since Feb , 2010. No drugs, just vitamins and exercise.

3K angiogram + 2K angiioplasty (if necessary) + 2K per stent (if necessary).

Trine has detailed the costs. You might want to ask the Dr. if they are doing a follow-up ultra sound the day after the procedure and if so, the cost for the ultra sound. I'm also from Ottawa and I'm scheduled for the procedure in August. Good luck.

Shea,

It is funny how a shared experiance like MS can create a bond between people who have never met. The more we read from others on this site the more we feel like we know them. Our concern and empathy is heartfelt.

With you being from Ottawa the feeling is even stronger. Though we have never met I somehow am pulling for you even more. I don't know your background but I wish you all best. Please post a followup after the proceedure, good or bad. All information is important.

I really find the before and after videos helpful. It is hard to describe levels of disabliity but it is easy to see the improvments, even the ones that seem small to those who have not lived with MS.

About the followup ultra-sound, I thought they always did a followup the day after.

Bruce.

Hi ALL, I just had angios up in Albany with Dr. Siskin and no follow up sono the day after, but you do leave with an appointment for a 3 month follow up Doppler. It may vary with individual needs, though.

Just received an email with the cost 3,000 venogram, 2,000 angioplasty and 2,000 per stent if needed

Interesting prices because I got a call on Monday and the cost was not that high. I was asked if I was interested in coming in and have the venogram ($600). I would like a trial with a IRB before I sign up. They have not gotten appproval yet for a trial. I think it is impartitive that results are showed in a scientific manner

Kjwxau: Was your call from Dr. Mehta's office or Dr. Siskin's office? Both are in Albany.

As I understand it, Dr. Siskin (an interventional radiologist) has been doing procedures for a couple of months. I think that's where the costs of 3K for venogram, 2K for angioplasty and 2K per stent quoted elsewhere are from.

Dr. Mehta is a vascular surgeon who is awaiting IRB approval. He has not yet begun doing procedures. If any of my information is incorrect, anyone should feel free to correct me.

If it was Dr. Mehta's office you were speaking with, I'm surprised they would be offering venogram without the possibility of immediately doing angioplasty.

Are you sure the $600 quote was for venogram and not for a Doppler or for an MRV?

$600 for a venogram? And this is Prevention Care with Dr. Siskin et al.? Somehow this doesn't sound right. Can you elaborate?

Dr. Mehta is doing venograms without angio right now. That is what he is offering until he has IRB.

Dr. Siskin placed two stents in me and I did not need ultrasound the next a.m. Additionally - he told me to have an ultrasound of my neck when I felt like I needed it locally with an IR.

This changed a week or two ago. Now he is offering treatment.

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"However, the truth in science ultimately emerges, although sometimes it takes a very long time," Arthur Silverstein, Autoimmunity: A History of the Early Struggle for Recognition

The Barrie local newspaper in Ont. Canada wrote an article on Barb Farrell's recovery and quoted Dr. Sandy MacDonald saying that" this procedure is very inexpensive, around $1200.00, if it were allowed to be done in Canada! Comments anyone.........why are we paying such exuberant prices. My airfare will cost more than $1200.

Typical law of supply and demand. When this becomes more available, the prices will drop considerably. I hope,at least, that the Canadian government will allow this as an approved elective surgery. Costs less than a boob job.

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RRMS since Feb , 2010. No drugs, just vitamins and exercise.

This is the bottom line price that the government would be paying. It is not the 'free market' price.

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"However, the truth in science ultimately emerges, although sometimes it takes a very long time," Arthur Silverstein, Autoimmunity: A History of the Early Struggle for Recognition