whos to blame?????

[EyesofBlue55]

Several months back a friend of mine applied for a trial.He did not know what Genotype he had but was called in for the preliminary visits anyway.They did a biopsy first to see what stage he is in ,then they did a genotype test.Backwards if you ask me because the trial was for a genotype 1 trial.Anyway it turned out that he was a genotype3 and was disqualified.Now hes getting a  $1200.00 bill for the biopsy!!!!Shouldnt this fall on the trial people???They should have genotyped him first in my opinion!!!!!They are sending him nasty letters saying they want payment.What would you do ?????  And what should he do???   cindy

[suezeeque]

My trial consent contract says something like (it's not in front of me right now) - You have been asked to participate in this study because you have hepatitis C, genotype 1 and you have not received treatment in the past (treatment naive).

So there you have it, from my point of view, if the dr presented this document to me and I hadn't been told what my genotype was, I would -certainly- assume that they had checked and they knew!!!

Wouldn't get a thin dime from me.

Sue

[Isobella]

Did he have the biopsy before or after he signed the informed consent? They can't do any procedures in the trial on him until that form is signed and they are required to provide him a copy of the form once he signs.

Having said that, it could be a billing error.  During my trial, the hospital once billed me for a visit, a few phone calls between my coordinator and the billing department cleared it all up...hopefully it will be something that simple in this case.

Good luck!

Isobella

[Mary4now]

Oh, I think it is definitely the trial ppl, because the biopsy is also a part of the evaluation,,, I was told even if my biopsy showed I was not qualified for the trial they would pay for it.
Mary,
I made sure they were paying...... from the get go.

[EyesofBlue55]

What happened was-reality set in and back to the ole grind!!!Oh I love my  job and my munchkins!!!!!LOL cindy

[blondie717]

Ya-ya me tinks.  Yawn , oh its beddie time for us lil ole biddy's. 9 pm and in bed? What happened to the summer up all night party animal. Pardy Pooper!

[EyesofBlue55]

Ya -ya tink?????????????????

[blondie717]

Yikes. Me tinks., Good luck with the new trial ya found yer friend. Maybe ya better go with him?

[meakea]

As others said, it should be in the contract so read it carefully, though sometimes deciphering contract language is not easy.  Does your friend have health insurance that it could be turned in to?

[can-do-man]

He should have a signed and dated contract that was signed when he first agreeded to this trial with everything spelled out. Has he contacted the trial study person about this? This would be the person that had him sign the agreement. He might also check with the patient advocate group at the hospital......... If nothing else they should be able to lead him in the right direction.

Good luck

[flcyclist]

It does sounds like a backward way of doing things, since the trial was for geno 1 only.  I think I'd be reviewing the trial agreement paperwork very carefully to see if this is discussed.  Chances are this document is strongly in favor of those doing the trial, so don't be too surprised if they protected themselves.  Are these documents available to review?

Many that have been involved in trials might have additional suggestions.

Best of luck.