The answer to these questions lies in prudent communication with your healthcare provider, which can be obtained, in part, by asking the following 15 questions:
- 1. Are there any other treatment options available to me which have not been discussed because my insurance will not pay for them? If so, what are they?
- 2. If there are other treatment options available, what are the approximate costs?
- 3. What type of COPD clinical trial are you recommending: treatment, prevention, diagnostic, screening or quality of life? If it's a COPD treatment trial, which phase is it?
- 4. What are the benefits of participating in this trial?
- 5. What are the risks?
- 6. Are there any expenses for which I will be expected to pay?
- 7. If I have a side effect or adverse reaction during the trial, will my medical costs be covered?
- 8. If I participate in the trial, will it, in any way, jeopardize my insurance coverage?
- 9. How long does the trial last and how often will I be expected to visit the trial site?
- 10. If travel is involved, will my travel expenses be reimbursed?
- 11. If the treatment works well for me, will it continue after the trial?
- 12. If so, will it be covered by my insurance or will I have to pay for it?
- 13. If I have to pay, can I get a discounted rate for participating in the trial?
- 14. Has the treatment, thus far, been successful in other patients? Do you have other study results available?
- 15. How might the trial affect my COPD prognosis?
Having trouble remembering which questions to ask your doctor about COPD clinical trials? Don't worry: Just print out the list and take it to your next doctor's appointment.
