
Patients who have multiple myeloma but don't exhibit symptoms may just be monitored. A doctor may order tests every few months to track the progression of the disease and determine when to start treatment.If initial tests signal multiple myeloma, a patient will typically be referred to a hematologist or oncologist. Other tests, including imaging tests, like an MRI or x-ray or bone marrow exams may also be needed.A doctor may first detect signs of multiple myeloma through blood and urine tests conducted during a routine physical exam. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the disease can vary, but may include bone damage and fractures or a high level of calcium in the blood, among other things.Related articles: MRI, Annual Physical, X-Ray, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Health Insurance

A study on the economic burden of multiple myeloma found that of all cancers involving the bone, it has the highest mean cost per case after diagnosis: $132,615 per case compared with $88,402 for patients with breast cancer who developed metastatic bone disease and $65,287 for patients with lung cancer who developed metastatic bone disease.The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that patients with multiple myeloma are typically hospitalized for 12 days at a cost of $28,700 total, or $2,500 per day.For instance, common multiple myeloma drug Bortezomib (Velcade), which is administered intravenously, costs $4,000-$8,000 per month, depending on dosing, while lenalidomide (Revlimid), costs $7,900 per month at a 21-out-of-28-day dosing. For Multiple Myeloma in particular, treatment typically involves one or more of the following options: chemotherapy, which can cost $10,000 -$200,000 or more radiation therapy, which can cost $10,000-$50,000 or more stem cell transplantation, which typically costs $20,000-$60,000 and/or prescription drugs which can be expensive, costing $4,000 or more for a month's supply, depending on the drug and dose needed.According to the American Cancer Society, the cost of cancer treatment depends on the type and duration of treatment, and whether the patient is treated at home, in a clinic, in the doctor's office, or in the hospital.Multiple myeloma treatment typically is covered by health insurance, although some plans might not cover individual drugs or treatments. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for multiple myeloma treatment typically consist of doctor visit, lab and prescription drug copays as well as coinsurance of 10%-50% for surgery and other procedures, which can easily reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.Though there's no cure for multiple myeloma, patients can lead normal lives with treatment. It is marked by the growth of bone tumors that make it harder for bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells, and causes problems for the immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.


Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in the plasma cells of the bone. With Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurance How Much Does Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost? Cost of Multiple Myeloma Treatment - 2022 Healthcare CostsĬostHelper > Health & Personal Care > Cancer Treatments > Multiple Myeloma Treatment
