Need help with an article about the medical costs of IC

[stacey79]

Hello, all. My name is Stacey I am a free-lance journalist (with IC) working on an article for the IC Network's newsletter. I was wondering if some of you might be willing to answer a few questions for me.

I need to get basic demographic information about you like you age, gender, ethnicity and geographic location. I am interested in how much your medicine costs each month (what you pay and what your insurance covers); how much your doctor visits cost and how often you go; how much any recent procedures or treatments you've had cost; and how your medical costs have changed throughout your time of living with IC.

I will also ask you whether you want me to use your name in the article or not.

It would be best if you could send me an e-mail or a PM and I can send you the questions or we can even set up a phone interview if you prefer. My e-mail address is sashannon1@hotmail.com. I need to have all interviews completed by Monday, June 20.

Thank you all so much for your help. :)

[tigger_gal]

hi stacey, Im' not shy you can count me in on your survey:)
Brat

[MakinIT]

yeah...I'll give ya enough info to write a novel. (ha, ha, ha),

just let me know when you need it or send me a PM

[redmowii]

I am 24, have been diagnosed with IC since November. I spend roughly $90 on perscription medicines a month. I also have endometriosis and sever allergies so some of that is for treatment of those conditions. I have no idea how much it costs my insurance for me to be on these medicines, although I can tell you that my copays are 15,25,35, and 45 dallors, depending on what tier they are in.
In November I had surgery laporoscopy, and cystoscopy. They burned off a one growth of endometriosis and cut some scar tissue out. Another doctor scoped my bladder and distended it to see if I had IC. In total I paid aprox 4,000 dollars for the surgery, I paid for two doctors, and a anethesiologist, and the surgery and aftercare. I work in the medical field and do have good insurance. I think that the total cost of the surgery was around 8,000 dollars.
I hope it helps you.

[Allibeth]

You can read my story in the Antibiotics section of the site (posted today). The treatments I outlined cost several thousand dollars -- about half was covered by my insurance (email me for specific prices), but so worth it becuase they worked.

I'm 34, an RN with a MA in Media Studies (I also write -- my focus was journalism), single, white, live in Manhattan. Let me know what other info you need.