Cancer gene panel testing. A 'certain service' included in your insurance might be useful

Cancer gene panel testing. Just knowing about it might increase your options

There are various options for cancer treatment.

One of them is cancer gene panel testing.

The cost of the test is approximately 560,000 yen.

"Is it that expensive?"

you might think.

However, if health insurance is applied, it is about 160,000 yen with a 30% co-pay.

Furthermore, it may also be eligible for the high-cost medical expense benefit system.

However, gene panel testing is not something that just anyone can receive freely.

There are certain conditions, and a referral to a medical institution capable of performing it may be required.

Here, the second opinion service attached to medical insurance or cancer insurance might be useful.

When you hear 'second opinion',

"getting an opinion from another doctor"

is likely the strong image you have.

However, it can also lead to consultations or referrals to specialized medical institutions.

It seems that a referral is often required to undergo a gene panel test. Sometimes, a second opinion can provide that referral.

Of course, just because you have undergone a gene panel test does not mean you will definitely find a drug that suits you.

However, if it has become difficult to cope with standard treatment,

or if your options have become limited with standard treatment alone,

by examining the genetic information of the cancer,

You can search for "whether there are any drugs or treatments that might be suitable for your cancer."

You can search for them.

New anticancer drugs.

Clinical trials.

In some cases, self-funded medical treatments.

It can be a gateway to considering such options.

In other words,

it is not about "there are no more treatments available,"

but rather,

it could be said that this is a test to "search for other treatments that might suit you."

Isn't that what it is?

Of course, if you opt for self-funded treatment, the costs can be high.

However, before that, first,

whether you can stand at the gateway to search for treatments that might suit you,

I believe this is what is important.

And what is surprisingly little known is,

the second opinion service included with medical insurance and cancer insurance.

When people think of insurance,

they tend to think of it as "something that pays out benefits when you are hospitalized."

That is often the case.

However, in reality,

・You can consult with a specialist ・You can receive a second opinion ・You can be referred to a specialized medical institution ・You can receive consultation regarding treatment

There are cases where services such as these are included.

Even if you have gone to the trouble of enrolling in insurance, you cannot use these services if you do not know about them.

With insurance, it is not just about being enrolled;

knowing what you can use

is also important.

When you get cancer.

If there is a possibility of increasing your treatment options even a little, you want to use what is available to you.

For that reason, I recommend checking what kind of services are included in the insurance you have enrolled in at least once.

By not knowing, you may miss out on options that you could have chosen.

Insurance also has that side to it.