Pay it Forward - An Over Analyzation
In the simplest of definitions, to “Pay it Forward” means “respond to a person's kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.”
This can take many forms – from holding the door open for the person behind you as the person in front of you did for you, or, while using the Starbuck’s drive-thru, paying for the order of the person behind you as the person in front of you paid for yours.
Although in my experience, I usually have to pay for six grande mocha latte Frappuccino’s with extra whip cream. But, all in all, it’s a nice thing to do.
I was recently given an opportunity to “Pay it Forward” but have found myself thinking about it a lot – maybe too much. The resolution would be to simply make a phone call – but I prefer to cogitate on such things.
Here’s what has happened:
I’ve been on biologics for psoriasis for some time now. They are a wonder of modern technology and a testament to the pharmaceutical industry’s knowledge and innovation. They work well for the most part, are easy to administer at home, and get delivered right to my front door.
For those not familiar with the process, the biologics are handled by specialty pharmacies and are delivered quickly to your door. As they need to be kept refrigerated, they are packaged in Styrofoam containers filled with insulation and cold packs. In addition, the specialty pharmacies are very good at reminding you when to refill and follow up quickly to make sure you know a package has been delivered.
Recently, the effectiveness of, what we can call Biologic A, seemed to be diminishing. My dermatologist recommended I try Biologic B. As I waited for Biologic B to be delivered, I received a text that it was time to order my next dose of Biologic A – which I ignored.
THEN – I received a letter from my insurance company that they had denied coverage for the new (Biologic B) treatment.
SO – I reordered Biologic A
THEN – A few days later I received a follow-up letter from my insurance company stating that they will, in fact, now cover Biologic B.
AND of course, the letter approving Biologic B arrived on the same day that my refrigerated package of Biologic A arrived.
What to do now? Would I be charged for the extra dose? Would I have to ship it back?
A call to the specialty pharmacy was made. I was put in touch with a pharmacist.
Would I be charged? No.
Should I ship it back? No, they can’t accept returns. The efficacy and safety of returned drugs can’t be determined with certainty.
What should I do with it? You can give it to a dermatologist who can give it to a patient in need.
Hanging up I wondered how my dermatologist would know if the dose was still good if the specialty pharmacy wouldn’t accept it.
My dermatologist is a 30-minute drive – which I would gladly make to give them the extra dose. The smart, and easiest thing to do is just give them a call and find out what their thoughts are. But, I would rather write about it here, for now.
I did a quick search and found that Biologic A “can cost between $19,654 and $21,017, depending on the source and coverage.”
I’ve got to call my dermatologist.
That’s a lot of money sitting in my refrigerator right now. And a lot of Frappuccino’s.
Author Details
Mike Auerbach, Editor-In-Chief, [email protected]
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