FibroScans now Available

[mhudnall]

Not a question, but just an update on the FibroScan technology in the US which is a non-invasive method to measure fibrosis staging (replacing the needle biopsy). In 2013 the FDA approved the FibroScan technology and in 2014 the AASLD endorsed the FibroScan technology. The FibroScan is technically called Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) and it measures liver stiffness that correlates with liver fibrosis staging. This new technology is replacing the needle biopsy and the advantages are that the procedure in non-invasive, painless, requires no hospitalization and all major insurance plans will soon cover two FibroScans per year. The scans are relatively inexpensive for those who are not covered - about $350 is the going rate. Private medical institutions have bought most of the machines but a couple independent private clinics have opened up in Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Regular live monitoring is very important for liver disease patients and the FibroScan technology will also save the health care systems money, because often behavior and activities that can exacerbate fibrogenesis (ie.: alcohol or pharmaceutical drug consumption, poor diet, etc.) can be modified or avoided with up-to-date information about the state of your liver health.

By the way, hi to all my old friends, I haven't posted in a while and I am doing quite well. Had a 4.7 FibroScan the other day, which correlates to Fibrosis stage 0-1. Ten years ago I was F3-F4, and when I had last posted I had done two fibroscans, but I had to wait four years before my next one while FibroScan applied for and received FDA approval. Still infected, genotype 1a and I'm waiting for Sovadi to come down on their prices - luckily I have time to wait.

Best regards!

Mike

[Dee1956]

Thank you so very much for sharing this information, it will help many people about to get a biopsy.
Great news about your liver.  I often wonder if my biopsy was wrong, he did not take the correct amount of sample.  It was a bad experience for me.
I will check in to this with my new doctor :)
Dee

[mhudnall]

No, I think they are going to bow to political pressure and go down in price. But I figured I would wait awhile and see how the drug does out there first. I have a low fibrosis score though, not a good idea to wait if you are above F2-3 anyway.

[kanaia]

Sovaldi maker has application for med assistance. They told me they would get meds to a person who needed either free or reduced cost. Have you applied to Gilead?

[kanaia]

Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has availability for $275 with Dr's order, Liver Lab (on internet) in Scottsdale for $375 Drs order needed and $375 in LA at a Fibroscan LA 310-710-5220 with no Dr's order required.

I live in Colorado and those were the closest locations I found.

My insurance won't cover but sounds much better than biopsy and clinics I've called prefer it. My insurance won't cover ant HCV drugs either so go figure when fibroscan is so much cheaper. I was given a rough estimate on biopsy of $3-5000.

Mayo us hard to find the right dept to schedule because it is new for them. If you need it I can give you the direct contact number if you post here.

Good luck to us all! At least this is a better way.