cryoablation (cost and how to get evaluated)

[Olga]

I just wanted to post here a general information re. cryoablation that is done by Dr.Littrup at the Karmanos cancer institute in Detroit; we have recently contacted them when evaluating possible options to deal with one of the Ivan's faster growing ling mets (we proceeded with the surgery then but for someone else it could be the better options depending on the situation). The cryoablation might be a good option in some cases when dealing with a single digit mets or when you need to get a fix on one or a few mets to get a strategic advantage (to buy a time for something else). Only one or a few mets can be done at one time,they do mets located in the lungs, chest wall, abdomen.
Evaluation is done in 3 steps:
1. Contact Barb, Dr.Littrup assistant.
Call her or e-mail her.
Barbara A. Adam RN, MSN, NP-C
Karmanos Cancer Center
Interventional Oncology -Image Guided Therapy
313-576-8042
DMC pager 313-745-0203 #95883

she can also be reached by the e-mail adamba@karmanos.org


This is the answer from her to us:

"Please send on CD the most recent scan, along with the scan prior. Additionally, Dr. Littrup likes to see a pathology report and a brief history of the course of treatment to date. Once reviewed we will be in touch with Dr. Littrup's recommendation."

2. Send them the package incl. disk and a letter to Dr.Littrup asking him to review re. possible cryoablation.

The mailing address is:
attn. Barbara A. Adam,
Dr. Peter Littrup
Karmanos Cancer Center
4100 John R
Detroit, MI 48201
Mailcode HPO2RR

3. Then contact Barb in about a week after and ask her if they received and reviewed the scans. They will answer to you by the e-mail, at this stage you will be able to discuss the insurance matters.

additionally for the international patients.
You are expected to pay upfront pre-estimated amount based on a treatment plan.

This is their message is from the International Services Detroit Medical Center regarding the cost for the international patients (the US patients can get it covered by the insurance most of the times as far as I know):

"...at this time I would like to provide you with the cost estimate for the prescribed percutaneous CT guided cryo ablation. We have been advised that this procedure is an out patient procedure done in the CT room and does not require OR time or anesthesia services. The total cost of the CT guided cryo ablation with 3 probes has been estimated at US$9000.00. This estimate includes the hospital facility charges, physician fees and professional components. Should the patient require hospitalization a per diem charge of US$2,500.00 for a regular hospital bed or US$3,500.00 for an I.C.U. bed will apply.
Please note this is an estimate based on similar treatment plans and the information provided by Dr. Littrup. Should the prescribed treatment be altered it could directly affect the estimate. Remittance for medical procedures is expected prior to the services being rendered. We accept major credit cards, cash or cashiers check.
It is the responsibility of the DMC International Services to coordinate services, inclusive of the billing function to patients who come from outside of the United States to receive healthcare services at the Detroit Medical Center. Therefore should you have any questions or need additional information please do not hesitate to contact our office.

International Services

Detroit Medical Center

Toll Free: 1-800-745-6447

Direct Line: 313-745-8894

Fax #: 313-745-9508

[Olga]

The best person to use for the pre-evaluation moves and for the scheduling is Dr.Littrup's assistant
Barbara A. Adam RN, MSN, NP-C
Karmanos Cancer Center
Interventional Oncology -Image Guided Therapy
313-576-8042
DMC pager 313-745-0203 #95883

she can also be reached by the e-mail adamba@karmanos.org

The above posted estimated cost of the procedure is for the reference only and it seems that it has already increased by about 20% (year 2010). Contact Verda for up to date estimation.