I am very new to this site (only posted a few things a year ago or so) but I am not new to having a j-pouch! My j-pouch surgery was in 1988 and T/D the same year. I recently was diagnosed with pouchitis and along with Flagyl, and more Metamucil, my doctor would like me to order VSL #3 online. I have never been on probiotics before. My question is this ever covered by insurance? Also, with taking Flagyl I have been constipated, which NEVER happens to me, any ideas to help? Thank you!
Posts: 5 | Location: Iowa | Registered: April 25, 2007
This topic is a frequent one. Some insurance plans cover the double strength VSL#3 (only), but most do not. There are alternative probiotics (Culturelle, home-made yogurt) that may also help keep pouchitis at bay. If you increased the Metamucil when you started Flagyl for the first time, I'd try cutting back on the Metamucil and see whether that relieves the constipation. It's a soluble fiber and thickens things up -- too much sometimes, especially if you are a bit dehydrated.
Posts: 230 | Location: East Central IL | Registered: February 05, 2008
Check with your insurance and be sure to ask about 'VSL#3 DS.' I have UHC and they label the product: 'VSL #3 DS 20s packets' Covered, with a $30 copay/month. They require a doctor's prescription. Others have had a $15 - $60 copay, while some don't get it covered at all.
I find that a $30 copay is cheaper than what I would spend on two boxes (about a month's worth) of Culturelle. Not sure of price comparison with homemade yogurt. Stonyfield organic yogurt will run you about $30/month at one yogurt cup/day. Danon and others will run about $20/month.
"...it came to pass..." - I Thess. 3:4b (NASB)
Posts: 1003 | Location: Kansas City, MO | Registered: October 23, 2006
My insurance costs $5 for the prescription and if my doctor writes that I need to take more than 1 packet per day I will get that amount for $5. So, if one box is 20 packets and they say I need 2 packets per day I would get 3 boxes of 20 for $5. Also, the prescription has to be for VSL#3 DS. They only cover the DS. You should check with your insurance first, as all are different.
Posts: 206 | Location: New york City | Registered: October 12, 2006
*After an initial purchase of one culture packet for $10-12, and assuming you were going to drink that milk anyway. You can make sixteen 8 oz servings per 128 oz (gallon) of milk, so at 1 serving per day, if you use Meijer brand organic milk, that would be
Kellie, you can contact VSL and they will fax you out letters and instructions for your doctor to help get it approved. They outline how to approach your insurance company and send a sample letter out for your doc to follow or use ad lib. Best of Luck! LoriP
Posts: 464 | Location: Wisconsin | Registered: August 10, 2006
Hi Marianne, Just wanted to chime in here because I'm a firm believer in VSL #3, but realistic too, because everyone has different systems and find that they can't adjust. Here is a link to their website so you can get phone numbers and information.
That said, I filed two appeal processes to get our insurance to pay for it and was turned down twice. But, I just went through the pharmacy section of our insurance and they will pay for VSL #3 DS (double strength). So, I'd ask your GI to write for the DS formula and save yourself alot of hassle. Good Luck!
Posts: 191 | Location: Florida | Registered: November 25, 2006
