[by: Brandy Haslam, MBA]
“He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not.”
With the repeal of Obamacare and many American’s choosing to go without health insurance this year, those in the clinical research industry are promoting clinical trial participation as a care option.
What do I mean by care option? Think of it this way: You don’t have health insurance, but your back hurts, you have the flu, or maybe you just want a cosmetic procedure (tummy tuck, Botox, etc.), but you can’t afford to pay out of pocket. Even if you have health insurance, co-pays, specialist fees and other costs may make you less likely to want to visit your physician.
A quick search on sites like MyLocalStudy.com or ClinicalTrials.gov will pull up a plethora of studies in cities across the country for exactly these types of conditions and procedures.
Have the flu? Local physicians are testing possible new treatments like the already approved Tamiflu (which was once in a clinical trial phase). Have osteoarthritis, back pain or other chronic conditions? Board-certified physicians are testing cutting-edge medications and treatments that may work better and may be more effective than current options.
And although clinical trial participation has been touted as unconventional and even scary, the reality is that clinical trials are extremely safe and the benefits aplenty.
Who doesn’t want to see a board-certified physician at no cost? In most cases, clinical trial participation means that you receive more in-depth evaluations and diagnostic testing, and a higher level of physician oversight than going to your primary care doctor.
Using clinical trials as a care option also means that you gain a better, more thorough understanding of your medical conditions and how to manage them. Part of the clinical trial experience is patient education and knowledge which is a huge benefit to participants.
Additionally, potential access to new medicines and procedures is a major benefit, as those with chronic, poorly managed conditions can attest to. Physicians are continually searching for safer, more effective treatments for conditions like diabetes, heart problems, lupus, cancer and the list goes on.
Compensation is also provided to participants. So in addition to all the benefits above, you get paid! No complaints here!
If you’re interested in participating but have questions or concerns, reach out to our team of research professionals by Facebook message or by calling 833-657-8839.
Click HERE to search for study opportunities in your area!
