Cost

Do I need to come to Edmonton?
Our program treats patients from across Canada. You will not have to relocate to Edmonton while on the transplant waiting list, but you will be required to come to Edmonton to be assessed in clinic. After transplant you will need to stay in Edmonton for a period of 2 or 3 months. 

What is the cost involved?
The cost for the assessment and the procedure may be covered by your provincial medical plan. The cost for transportation to Edmonton for assessment, transplant, and follow-up visits, accommodation and medications when you leave the hospital is your responsibility. Our social worker can help you explore issues related to drug coverage and financial assistance before you decide to proceed to have a transplant.

Parking
Available at the University Hospital with a signed letter validating your transplant patient status. This letter can be obtained from us and taken to the parking office at WMC ­ 0H1.01 (407-8890)

Accommodation

Travel
Some airlines will offer discounts if the travel is for medical purposes. A good website to check out is www.hopeair.org for they may be able to offer assistance to those who can demonstrate a financial need.

Blood glucose strips
A meter will be provided to you by the program. However, the strips are not supplied and will be at your own expense.

Medication
The cost of the immunosuppressive medications is covered by some provinces. It is your responsibility to find out if they are covered by your health plan. Early after transplant costs can be substantial, as you will need to take expensive antiviral medication to help to prevent infections. These costs generally decrease over time. It is very important to ensure that you have additional medical coverage to assist you with these costs. If you have any concerns please discuss them with the program so that we can assist you with finding additional financial resources.

Here is an example of possible medication costs:

Drug		D.I.N.		Average Cost
Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant)		#02175991 – 1 mg #02175983 – 5 mg		$300/month (covered at least while in Edmonton)
Daclizumab (immunosuppressant)		#02241473		$ 3040 per treatment, two treatments with each transplant (covered by the program)
Ganciclovir 1 g TID (antiviral)		#02186802		$1514/month for 3 months following each transplant
Lovenox® (anti-coagulant)		#02012472		$141/week for two weeks after each transplant (covered by the program)
ASA (anti-coagulant)		#02009013		$2 for 2 weeks
Septra® 1 tab QD (antibiotic)		#00510637		$11/month for 6 months
Or Pentamidine® (antibiotic)		#02183080		Cost is at this time covered by the program.   If you are not in Edmonton when you require this drug, you may have to pay for it.