Cost and Insurance Issues in Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Botulinum toxin therapy is now an established mode of treatment for a large number of medical problems. It is FDA approved for treatment of migraine, spasticity (stiff and painful muscles) due to stroke, brain and spinal cord trauma, cerebral palsy, involuntary movements of the neck and face as well as certain bladder disorders. For these indications and for cosmetic use, it is now one of the leading therapeutic approaches used in millions of people worldwide. Botulinum toxin therapy is expensive. This chapter discusses the venues that are available to the patients through the manufacturing companies to defray some of the cost of botulinum toxin therapy. The role of patient and treating physician in facilitating co-pays is also discussed. Finally, data from the literature for certain indications, showing cost-effectiveness of botulinum toxin therapy (despite its high cost) is provided.