1. The first US supplier, since 2005, is Penguin Cold Caps (www.penguincoldcaps.com). Contact Geralyn Pewarchie, their chief U.S. rep, at 810-498-0088 or geralynpewarchie@penguincoldcaps.com. Penguin Caps rental is priced at $449 per month, and all supplies are included with the shipment. Penguin has been doing this for over 20 years around the world, and they advise their caps have been successful with a large variety of chemo drugs, including AC, usually the toughest drug on the hair.
2. The next US supplier, founded in 2012, is Chemo Cold Caps, (www.chemocoldcaps.com). Contact 800-290-7196 or info@chemocoldcaps.com. They are very user friendly and supportive, and all supplies are also included in their shipment. Chemo Cold Caps are priced at $425/month and are reported to work well with taxanes like TC and TCH, as well as a number of other drugs (inquire).
3. We can also recommend Arctic Cold Caps, founded in 2015 (www.arcticcoldcaps.com). Contact 888-852-1005 or info@arcticcoldcaps.com. Arctic''s caps are reported to work well with taxanes like TC and TCH, as well as a number of other drugs (inquire). Arctic also includes supplies with their caps and offers free Skype training. Rental is priced at $379/month.
4. Wishcaps was started in 2013 (www.wishcaps.com). Contact Jason or Kyra at 713-853-9299 or info@wishcaps.com. Wishcaps are effective with the taxanes and some other drugs (inquire). Supplies are included with their caps, and the monthly rental fee is $325. Wishcaps offers discounted dry ice in Houston, and helps patients secure the least expensive dry ice in their area whenever possible.
5. Warrior Caps (www.warriorcaps.com) opened for business in July 2016 and is newest to our list of recommended providers. Contact 817-731-6242 or warriorcapsllc@gmail.com. Warrior takes pride in the personalized care their patients receive. They also include supplies. Their caps are reported to work well with the taxanes (inquire about other drugs). Warrior''s price is $425 per treatment for 4 chemo sessions; their cost per chemo session decreases for subsequent treatments. WARRIOR ONLY SUPPORTS DRY ICE USERS (not freezer users).
Please note prices could change from what we have been told; we suggest you verify with the providers. In all cases there are additional costs for any dry ice needed. All companies can provide patient references if you would like some, including patients in the area and/or patients with the same chemo regimen.
SCALP COOLING MACHINES
The FDA cleared DigniCap (www.dignicap.com) and Paxman (www.paxmanusa.com) systems (machine operated scalp cooling systems) are continuing to increase their installations around the US. If a facility in your area has acquired one, that is an very good option for taxane chemos only. BOTH SYSTEMS ARE NOW APPROVED FOR PATIENTS WITH ANY TYPE OF SOLID TUMOR. You can read about these systems on their websites, and contact the manufacturers directly with specific questions about their systems. Arrangements to use these systems are made directly with the chemo clinic, not with the manufacturer, and pricing is set by the clinic. (See locations list at rapunzelproject.org/ColdCaps/Locations.aspx)
Paxman has a new website called coldcap.com. Among other features, it can help you determine if their system may be right for you. One cautionary note - their data does not apply to manual caps. While much more labor intensive and much colder, manual caps generally have higher success rates. And they are the only option for ACT chemos, as machine systems to date don't work with ACT.
INSURANCE
Please inquire with your insurer regarding coverage. It is becoming more common, but is still not assured. We have been told that Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (in some states) are paying with some frequency. But individual plans vary, and even in states where coverage is more common, you may not be covered.
There is more insurance info in the FAQ section of our website, and on provider sites as well. In most cases providers are the best source of how to file a claim, what codes to use, and what supporting documentation has helped other patients get reimbursement.
FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES
Additionally there may be some financial assistance available for patients who cannot afford the full cost of scalp cooling treatment. If your household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), go to www.hairtostay.org/apply-for-a-subsidy and fill out the form you will find there. (FPL chart is available on their site to help you determine if you qualify to apply.) Please note HairToStay will not reimburse for expenses incurred before you are approved for assistance.
A number of clinics and hospitals around the US have earmarked funds (especially where there are programs for women's health or breast cancer) to help patients afford cold caps or scalp cooling. Be sure to ask your physician or nurse if any financial support is available at your location.
We hope you are able to proceed. Please let us know if we can assist further.
Best wishes,
Nancy and Shirley