I am 51 and just went to an Endo in St. Louis who reviewed my Lab Corp blood test which showed my Serum Testosterone levels at 344. He took another blood sample to find out what the free test levels are. Should have results tomorrow.
He then asked me to call my insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield to determine what my insurance coverage would be for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (injection & gel). They informed me that my coverage would allow for the following: Injections - 200 mg ENA, 30 day supply from pharmacy would be $5. 90 day supply through mail order would be $5. TestRed(?) - 10 MG caps. 30 day supply $50, 90 day supply would be $100.
I called his nurse and she said he likes to start patients on Gel 1st, then to injections. But overall, will do what is most affordable. Here is the kicker - "the Dr does not usually prescribe testosterone cypionate for injection to be done at home. Usually you would have to come in to the office for each injection. Other medications that can be used are the gel formulas such as Testim, Axiron, Fortesta and Androgel".
My questions are:
1. Is this normal? Do patients on Dr. prescribed TRT not do their injections at home?
2. If not, can anyone point me in the right direction for locating a TRT Dr in St. Louis?
3. Are any of these Gels worth pursuing 1st?
Thanks in advance for your input and I apologize or the lengthy message.
He then asked me to call my insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield to determine what my insurance coverage would be for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (injection & gel). They informed me that my coverage would allow for the following: Injections - 200 mg ENA, 30 day supply from pharmacy would be $5. 90 day supply through mail order would be $5. TestRed(?) - 10 MG caps. 30 day supply $50, 90 day supply would be $100.
I called his nurse and she said he likes to start patients on Gel 1st, then to injections. But overall, will do what is most affordable. Here is the kicker - "the Dr does not usually prescribe testosterone cypionate for injection to be done at home. Usually you would have to come in to the office for each injection. Other medications that can be used are the gel formulas such as Testim, Axiron, Fortesta and Androgel".
My questions are:
1. Is this normal? Do patients on Dr. prescribed TRT not do their injections at home?
2. If not, can anyone point me in the right direction for locating a TRT Dr in St. Louis?
3. Are any of these Gels worth pursuing 1st?
Thanks in advance for your input and I apologize or the lengthy message.