Treatment for NSF and other rare conditions may not be covered by insurance

By Austin Kirk
Posted September 3, 2007

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Many individuals diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), and other rare conditions which only impact a few hundred or a few thousand people, may experience difficulty obtaining insurance coverage for treatments which could improve their condition.  Insurers often refuse to pay for treatments they consider “experimental” since there have not been enough individuals diagnosed with the condition to fully study the effectiveness of the therapy.

This problem was highlighted last month in The (Nashville) Tennessean.  Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), is a very rare condition which is known to occur in those with kidney insufficiencies after obtaining an enhanced MRI or MRA with a gadolinium-based contrast agent.  The condition is associated with the development of areas of hard and thick skin which cover the limbs and severely restrict movement of the joints.  It is very painful and disabling, and there is no known cure or consistently successful treatment.

>>INFORMATION: NSF Symptoms

Most doctors are not very familiar with NSF/NFD, which was first discussed in medical literature in 2000.  There are only a few hundred confirmed cases nationwide, but many expect the number to increase as more doctors become familiar with the condition.

Although there is no cure, some treatments have been successful for some sufferers by softening the skin and improving mobility.  However, given the limited number of people who have been diagnosed with NSF, most treatments are considered “experimental” since there have not been enough cases studied or evaluated.  This means that some individuals suffering from NSF are unable to obtain insurance payment for treatments which can become extremely expensive.

>>INFORMATION: Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Treatment Options

NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS LAWSUITS

The Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are pursuing compensation for individuals suffering from the condition through MRI lawsuits against the manufacturers of gadolinium based contrast agents.  The manufacturers failed to fully test the impact their contrast has on those with kidney problems and provided insufficient warnings to those receiving the contrast.  As a result of the manufacturers’ negligent conduct, thousands of individuals were not provided an opportunity to reduce the risk of developing NSF, and now suffer from this devastating condition.

If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or suffer symptoms of the condition, request a free claim evaluation.