Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Cost

Typical costs:

• For mild symptoms, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen or similar products), which cost about $5 -$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent. A doctor may also recommend that the patient use an over-the-counter cream containing capsaicin, a naturally occurring chemical found in hot peppers, which, according to the Mayo Clinic may bring about modest improvement. At drugstore.com, such creams range in cost from $8 to $25. For example, a 1.5 oz tube of Walgreen's Capsaicin Cream^[1] costs $11.
• For more serious, long-term problems, a patient will likely need prescription drugs or other methods of pain management. Health insurers will typically cover standard, well-established treatment^[2] for peripheral neuropathy. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays, prescription drug copays and coinsurance of 10%-50% or more.
• Prescription drugs often used to relieve nerve pain caused by peripheral neuropathy include anti-seizure medications and antidepressants. According to Consumer Reports' Best Buy Drugs program^[3] , anti-seizure medications ^[4] such as gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) typically cost between $14 and $500 or more for a month's supply, while the cost for commonly prescribed antidepressants^[5] can range from about $20 a month to more than $400 a month, depending on the specific drug, its dosage, and whether a patient requests a brand name or generic version.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)^[6] , a non-invasive medical device that uses electrodes to deliver an electrical current, may also be an option for pain control, and typically ranges in cost from a few hundred dollars to $700 or more. TENS units are not be covered by some insurers; for example Aetna^[7] , which covers the therapy for short-term post operative pain, considers it experimental and investigational for neuropathic pain.

• Symptoms^[8] depend on the specific nerves affected and may be temporary (i.e. numbness, muscle weakness), or more extreme (paralysis or organ dysfunction).
• According to the Mayo Clinic^[9] , because peripheral neuropathy can have many causes, diagnosis will typically require tests, including blood tests, electromyography and imaging tests such as an MRI.
• Treatment^[10] will typically entail managing underlying symptoms and controlling pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may improve over time, particularly if the underlying condition is treated.

• Massage, which can cost from $30 to $100 or more, may help to improve symptoms and relive pain.

• Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital^[11] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. The hospital also offers an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of the patient receiving the bill.

• A patient who experiences symptoms^[12] such as sharp or jabbing pain in the hands and feet, may be referred by his or her family doctor to a neurologist^[13] , a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system.
• The American Academy of Neurology offers a physician locator^[14] .
• The Neuropathy Association, a national nonprofit that promotes research and education about peripheral neuropathy, has 120 support groups across the country. Patients can check the organization's support group listings^[15] to find one in their area.
• For more information about peripheral neuropathy, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy offers a patient brochure^[16] .

1.  www.drugstore.com/walgreens-capsaicin-cream/qxp400335?catid=183117
2.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
3.  www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org/BestBuyDrugs
4.  www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/Anticonvulsants-FINAL.pdf
5.  www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/Antidepressants_update.pdf
6.  emedicine.medscape.com/article/325107-overview
7.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0011.html
8.  www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/detail_peripheralneuropathy.htm#183583208
9.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
10.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
11.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
12.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131/DSECTION=symptoms
13.  www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/departments-centers/neurology/what-is-a-neurologist.aspx
14.  patients.aan.com/findaneurologist/
15.  www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_index
16.  www.foundationforpn.org/pdf/peripheralneuropathypatientbrochure.pdf

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does an Albuterol Inhaler Cost?		How Much Does an MRI Cost?		How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Men's Schwinn Ranger Bike from Target -- pre-assembled! Paid: 190.00 After reading this article I decided to go the budget route. I looked online and saw Target seemed to carry adult bikes, so I went to my local Target and they were out-of-stock, but they sent me to an even bigger Target... [more] -boughtalowendbike Bike Cost Spayed Paid: 70.00 ... [more] -Bamagirl Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Custom awning 19' x 4' installed Paid: 1300.00 Cost includes making n instaling... [more] -Gail Avist Fabric Awning Cost full repipe 2600 square feet Paid: 16000.00 full repipe with PEX, included 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 wet bar... [more] -Patrisha (Trisha) Roth Re-Piping a House Cost Cost and Wearablity Paid: 10000.00 Prostodontist in Mesa, AZ has quoted me $10,000 for full dentures NOT to include extractions (to be done elsewhere). He offers uppers and lowers immediate with a permanent set approx. 6 months later... [more] -First Time Dentures Dentures Cost High cost not covered by insurance Paid: 260.00 Must lower price or include with Medicare and insrance. Doctor charged $200 for 10 minute visit. Approval time by pa... [more] -Anthony melle Medical Marijuana Cost