The first issue that often comes to mind when seeking medical treatment is the cost involved. The cost of receiving ketamine infusions varies, but generally, it ranges between $350 to a ballpark figure of up to $2000 per session. That looks like a pretty penny to me. But is that all there is to it? No.
I know what you are thinking: what causes such a wild variation? Well, let me say cost varies due to several factors such as the condition under treatment, dosage, and type of care plan.
We are not offering a definitive pricing guide per se but a marker showing what you might expect to pay. The California Center for Ketamine Therapy can help clear the air about questions you have in mind regarding pricing or treatment options. Here is a detailed look at the factors that may influence overall pricing.
Type of Care Plan
Some organizations offer membership plans requiring you to pay a one-off fee to cover multiple infusions. Other alternatives may allow you to pay a subsidized rate charged per infusion, although the costs vary from business to business.
The terms and conditions of various organizations vary, so it’s imperative to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line. You don’t want to get stuck after paying a membership fee, only for you to realize there’s a limit to the number of infusions you are eligible for.
Number of Infusions and Dosage
The number of infusions required to treat a specific condition directly affects the cost. Some ailments need a set of up to 6 infusions. The implication: the overall cost does add up. Some examples might suffice to drive the point home.
Let’s suppose you need infusions for OCD or PTSD and assume the cost per session is $500. Now, a dosage strategy that requires ten infusions suggests you need to part with $5000.
Take another case of mood disorder treatment that may require one-hour sessions over a two- or three-week period. Based on a presumption that you need 6 IV-infusion sessions at $400, you would have to pay $2400 for the entire series.
Unfortunately, the lack of standard dosing guidelines means service providers use their discretion to administer infusions. As a result, the costs could end up being significantly high.
Usually, the condition under treatment determines the dosage you need. For instance, pain management requires a higher dosage and a higher concentration of ketamine than depression. Also, the longer the infusion takes, the higher the overall cost per session. The cost of treatment may also include other aspects such as:
- Screening
- Physical examination
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Supplies and equipment
Be sure to talk to your service provider to understand what the cost covers. In doing so, you can have a clear grasp of whether other hidden charges could raise the cost beyond your budget.
What’s more, you might need maintenance ketamine to manage symptoms or keep a condition under control. That means digging deeper into your pocket, depending on the frequency of the treatment sessions.
The Provider
No two organizations are similar. As such, expect different businesses to charge varying prices for similar services.
Check an organization’s pricing guide before taking the plunge. Also, consider shopping around to ascertain the price range for ketamine infusions. Having a clear baseline means you can select a service within your budget. You also won’t feel short-changed afterward if you chance upon a service provider offering better services at a lower cost.
Some physicians offer follow-up consultations to assess your progress, usually at an extra cost. Ultimately, continuing treatment is likely to raise the cost of ketamine infusions, notwithstanding the provider offering the service.
The Tough Truth
The unsavory truth: your insurer may not offer coverage for ketamine infusion treatment. Why? Such treatment is considered “off-label use,” denoting that medical practitioners use specific medication for alternative treatment other than its intended purpose. Such a gray area makes some insurers balk at the idea of offering coverage.
With that in mind, you might need to consider the cost of treatment as an out-of-pocket expense. Fortunately, some service providers can offer you financing options to cater for such medical care if you are in financial distress. Find out if an entity offering ketamine treatment also considers financing beforehand.
Finding relief for pain or stressful disorders is the first step towards realizing personal wellness. Book an appointment at a treatment center near you to talk with an expert about the cost and options available. But, don’t let the cost prohibit you from seeking medication in a professional center. Seek out a helping hand, and one could be a phone call away.
