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Let's Talk: Profile: Julie Fetch

Since her diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) 14 years ago, Julie Fetch has gone from frustrated patient to hands-on political advocate. In 2010, Fetch and several other patients met with legislators in Washington, D.C., a move that led to the sponsorship of House Bill HR 2002, the Medicare Patient IVIG Access Act. This April, Fetch was in D.C. again, speaking out regarding the Medicare Part B cost-cutting proposal that could adversely impact patients’ access to lifesaving and life-enhancing Medicare Part B-covered therapies such as intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). more

Product Guide

Considering CAM?

Chronic illness often comes with a host of other debilitating health issues, including chronic pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, those living the vicious cycle — treatment options designed to make them feel better that, instead, produce side effects making them feel worse — know that finding a regimen that actually works requires constant trial and error. Enter the role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). more

Ask the Experts

Reader: Will Medicare Part A and Part B cover IVIG therapy costs?

Leslie: Medicare Part B does pay for IVIG administration in either a physician’s office or a hospital outpatient infusion center. Coverage is based on meeting the criteria outlined in a published LCD (local coverage determination). As long as the clinical documentation from a physician supports the LCD criteria, Medicare Part B will pay for 80 percent of the cost, with the patient being responsible for the... more