1. What is the cost of tests for a pediatric bone marrow transplant?
For pediatric bone marrow transplant, tests include chest X-ray, blood tests, cardiac scan, PET scan, and bone marrow biopsy. After specifying the kind of bone marrow cells the child needs, the doctor determines which bone marrow test procedure to proceed with. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the tests done.
2. Is the medicine cost included in the package?
The medicine cost is included in the package when the child is at the hospital. If any prescription is taken from outside the hospital, it is not covered in the package. These medications are taken regularly orally or through an IV infusion, usually for several weeks to months.
3. How long the patient has to stay in the hospital after the pediatric bone marrow transplant?
Typically, the average stay in the hospital for a child is six to eight weeks. However, if you develop difficulties such as an infection, you may not be able to leave the hospital for longer. Post that, the child will have to visit the transplant center daily for several weeks, and various factors determine how long your recovery will take, such as your condition, a good donor match, chemotherapy, and radiation.
4. Is there any post-treatment expense after getting a pediatric bone marrow transplant?
A child’s complete recovery may take a year or two once they are discharged from the hospital. After the transplant, the risk of infection is very high, and the child will be on antibiotics to reduce the risks of infection. You should immediately visit your doctor if your child feels a high temperature, unusual swelling or pain in the body, and blurred vision.
5. Does insurance cover the treatment?
Pediatric bone marrow transplant is generally covered by insurance, but various insurers have different policies and it is better to know the inclusions and exclusions of your plan.
6. Are there cheaper options for pediatric bone marrow transplants?
Alternative treatments include unrelated donor umbilical cord blood (UCB), unrelated donor (URD) bone marrow (BM), or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). Bloodless stem cell transplantation can also be performed to achieve similar results. Please consult your physician before choosing a treatment plan.
