Do you have thyroid problems? Your doctor may have suggested you to undergo RAI therapy. Manage your budget by knowing the latest price of radioactive iodine treatment.
What is Radioactive Iodine Treatment
It is a treatment used to either fully or partially destroy the thyroid gland. Depending on the recommendation of a doctor, the thyroid may be removed if there is a sign or hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer and tumors.The treatment may also be used to limit the activities of hyperactive thyroids due to nodules.
Price of RAI Therapy
The price of RAI (radioactive iodine treatment) may start from Php 8,000 and above for a single session excluding other fees.The cost depends on hospital rates and doctor’s fee. The number of sessions will also predict the total cost if more than one is necessary.
See: Hospital Price List
Hospital Rates
| Hospital | Price (Php) |
|---|---|
| FEU Hospital (Quezon City) | 16,000 |
| Baguio General Hospital Iodine I31 (5-8 mci) | 14,000 |
| PGH | 8,000 to 16,000 |
| Chinese General Hospital | 25,000 and above |
In the Philippines, RAI is offered by a very limited number of hospitals. Most of these facilities are located in Metro Manila. You may want to inquire its availability from your local hospitals outside of NCR.
Other hospitals with RAI therapy service.
Quezon City
- FEU NRMF Hospital
- Capitol Medical Center
- St. Lukes Medical Center
- NKTI or National Kidney Institute
- Philippine Heart Center
Makati
Makati Medical Center
Manila
- Manila Doctors Hospital
- UST Hospital – set by a doctor
- Qualimed Manila
- Chinese General Hospital
- PGH
Muntinlupa
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
Batangas
Our Lady of Caysasay
Cebu
- Perpetual Succour Hospital
- Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital
Davao
Davao Doctors Hospital
Laguna
Calamba Medical Center
Misamis Oriental
Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital (Cagayan De Oro)
Cagayan De Oro Medical Center
South Cotabato
General Santos Doctors Hospital
Tarlac
Central Luzon Doctors Hospital
Major public hospitals offer RAI therapy at a reasonable cost. You may see the list of government hospitals with Radioactive Iodine and choose the one for convenience.
- PGH
- NKTI
- Philippine Heart Center
Substance Used
In most hospitals, the use of high dose or low dose I-131 has become a standard. The substance is preferred for thyroid therapy purposes because of its safety and efficacy. Your doctor will determine how much of the substance is necessary for your particular condition.
Cheap RAI Therapy
Per session, radioactive iodine is expensive. However, you can still find the cheaper offerings in some government hospitals. Remember that the actual dosage that you need will influence the total price. Only the doctor can provide you with the right dosage.
Some hospitals may provide a senior citizen discount price for the cost of radioactive iodine. Ask about this detail from the doctor to include the discount in the final bill.
Dosage
Some patients may have to pay up to Php 25,000 or more. This will depend on the amount of Iodine to be used and the professional fee of the doctor. The bigger the thyroid tumor or nodules are, the more radioactive iodine is needed which will eventually increase the price.
Doctor’s Fees
Remember that not all doctors can provide RAI treatment and it will require special training and knowledge. Some hospitals will include the professional fees of the doctors in the actual cost of the therapy. Inquire about this from your care provider.
There are only a few hospitals in the Philippines that offer Radioactive Iodine Therapy. However, the procedure usually has a high rate of efficacy, meaning the patient has a high chance of being cured from the disease. It will require a highly specialized doctor for its safety and efficacy.
Philhealth
Philhealth case rates of Php 3,640 and Php 840 for doctor’s fee are indicated for RAI. However, some procedures such as confinement, professional fee and surgery for the removal of the thyroid may be covered.
HMO Health Cards
Most HMO companies do not cover the therapy since it is a highly special procedure. However, you may avail of the the benefits of coverage in relation to doctor’s fees, confinement and other tests.
Take note that some hospitals will only provide the prices if they have a qualified doctor who will do the therapy.
How Is It Done
What are the steps and procedures in radioactive therapy? The main procedure is quite simple. You will simply go to the hospital based on the instructions of your doctor. You will be interviewed first and be give a schedule day and time.
On the day of the therapy, you will be allowed to take a rest for a few minutes. Then you will be administered with the liquid form of the materials through the mouth.
Be careful and always remember your doctor’s instructions as this is a very sensitive substance.
Side Effects After Treatment
Some patients may feel dizziness, headaches or being light-headed. However, these are rare and your doctor may assure you that they are mild and part of the treatment process. There will be a special instruction by the doctor wherein the patient will have to isolate away from other family members due to radioactive components of the substance.
How Many Times is RAI Required
In rare cases, a second therapy may be needed depending on the results after 6 months of the first dose. Your doctor will evaluate your health and results. However, there is a very high chance that the patient will only need one (1) Radioactive Iodine therapy treatment.
References: Cancer, EndocrineWeb
Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Medical Pinas
About the Author: MedicalPinas has several years of experience in publishing articles to help Filipinos find medical services and their prices. It strives to provide the most accurate info available through extensive research. Info may change without notice. This site is not affiliated with any of the mentioned brands/companies and does not represent the same.
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