Board
Called HDC today and spoke with Dr. Madyastha. Rally’s question yesterday prompted me to inquire about the cost of testing as it is reimbursed by Medicare.
I first asked him if they were going to use current CPT codes or do they have to lobby for any. He confirmed what Dr. Barnhill told me – which was yes, the coding is already in place. He wasn’t able to give me the exact codes when I asked, but I understand that. MDs rarely need to know that detail. I told him I needed them to come up with an estimate on the price. I then asked him if he knew.
At this point I feel a little bad. I spoke with HDC three times now and I’m not sure if everything they tell me was either meant to be confidential or they slipped due to my persistence. I certainly don't want to misquote or getting anyone in trouble.
Anyway, he said it will be expensive (I threw out some numbers) and he finally said minimum $300. He also said people would be happy to pay that price due to … and then he went into the entire technology … reducing painful and unnecessary biopsies etc… I did want him to clarify the word “people.” I said you don’t mean patients, do you? If you are talking about patients, then that could only mean a lack of reimbursement from 3rd party payers. He was very adamant in saying that was not the case, and that Medicare will be more than happy to pay for this test because it will be saving $1500 - $2,000 of biopsy cost per patient. Incidentally, that is true if you figure the cost of our screening test will eliminate the need for up to 15 additional prostate biopsies.
He did say something interesting. He said to call back in a month and they will be able to answer my question more specifically.
Cheers,
