Stem Cell Therapy Costs. Factors Influencing the Price of Stem Cell Treatments
Stem cell therapy costs vary widely depending on several factors such as the type of disease, the technology used, or the cellular product involved.
The expense can be substantial, influenced by the complexity of the disease and the specific cellular product utilized. For instance, treatments involving stem cells that are cultivated, expanded in the laboratory and administered through catheterization rank among the most expensive.
Safety and Controversy in Stem Cell Procedures
Safety adds another layer to the cost equation. Such costs also stir debates concerning the safety of stem cell procedures.
Anyone considering stem cell therapy from any tissue or source would benefit from understanding the potential consequences of stem cell therapy and the factors determining the costs involved.
The Real Costs of a Stem Cell Transplant
For patients, a stem cell transplant involves several steps, including:
- Diagnosis
- Isolation of adult stem cells
- Re-administration of the cells
- Monitoring and follow-up after treatment
There are also tangible costs for physicians providing stem cell treatments. They incur overhead expenses, including:
- Office space
- Training acquired through hands-on courses
- Support Staff
- Administrative requirements
Time and expertise are also required to perform the procedure and provide post-operative care.
In some cases, physicians must pay licensing fees to access stem cell processing or delivery technologies.
Why Is Stem Cell Therapy So Expensive?
The interest in stem cell treatment has surged over the past decade, supported by significant advances in research.
In 2017, scientific publications on stem cells exceeded 300,000, and the number of clinical trials involving stem cells also topped 4,600 globally.
More Affordable Stem Cell Options
However, stem cell therapy remains costly. One of the more affordable and straightforward options is harvesting adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs, see NIH study). These cells, found in the fat layers of adults, can be re-administered to the patient on the same day.
Unlike extracting from bone marrow or teeth, providers can remove fat, separate the stem cells, and then re-inject them into a patient on the same day. This method tends to be less expensive than more invasive procedures.
Due to its practicality in terms of cost, it has become a common approach for stem cell treatment.
Lower Cost Stem Cell Options
A relatively “easy” collection does not translate into cheap costs, although some are certainly more affordable than others. Examples of medical conditions that might benefit from more affordable stem cell treatments include:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Arthritis
- Cartilage defects
Keep in mind that these prices are typically out-of-pocket costs paid by the patient because most insurance companies do not cover them.
Final Recommendation
It is unwise to estimate costs lightly; we invite you to schedule a visit to Eternal Medical Center, where you will receive top-notch care from exceptional medical staff at the best market prices.
