Many people may be concerned about the cost of treatment and may not be willing to take the plunge into full-scale hair loss treatment. Many may sigh and wish they could afford insurance.
Indeed, some may wonder why it costs hundreds of thousands of yen, sometimes in the millions, to treat thinning hair that is not life-threatening.
In this issue, we will discuss why Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is so expensive, why insurance does not cover it, what hair loss treatments are covered by insurance, and how to reduce the cost of treatment.
Thinning hair symptoms and causes in adult men are featured in this article.
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Kentaro Kato, Hospital director of Osaka AGA Kato Clinic group, specializing in comprehensive hair treatment. We specialize in cutting-edge treatments for a variety of clinically proven effective treatments for thinning hair and hair loss. Graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University in 2001 Worked at plastic surgery of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital as an anesthesiologist from 2001 to 2005. Worked as a head of plastic surgery at major cosmetic surgery, Hair Transplant Department from 2005 to 2011. Opened Osaka AGA Kato Clinic in 2011. Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regular Member. The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member. World Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
Are Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment Clinics covered by Insurance?
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is basically not covered by public health insurance because, like cosmetic surgery, it is considered “free medical treatment”.
Note that expenses for beautification or change of appearance, etc. are not considered medical expenses.
When public health insurance is applied, the cost of medical care is 30% of the total cost. Medical treatment covered by an insurance card is called “insured treatment”.
When you catch a cold or have a medical examination at a hospital, you can receive medical treatment covered by the insurance. Medical treatment that is not covered by insurance is called “free medical treatment”.
Since you pay 10% of the total cost, the medical cost is more than three times as much as that of insured treatment. When you hear the term “free treatment”, you may have an image that the treatment is not covered by insurance and the treatment cost is high.
However, the fact that patients can choose their own treatment methods and receive the most advanced medical care is a big advantage.
The cost of free medical care varies widely from hospital to hospital.
In the case of unrestricted treatment, pricing differs greatly from hospital to hospital.
For example, even when a treatment or medicine approved overseas is used, if it is not approved in Japan, it is considered free treatment.
The price differs from hospital to hospital because of the cost of importing the medicine and the cost of testing.
When using treatments or drugs that are not approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, insurance does not cover the cost of the treatment, and the patient is responsible for paying 10% of the treatment cost.
However, the number of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinics has increased considerably recently, so the price difference between hospitals has narrowed considerably for general medication treatment.
AGA treatment is not covered by the medical expense deduction either.
The medical expense deduction is a system under which a certain percentage of the total amount of medical expenses paid in a year exceeding a certain amount is deducted from income tax.
The fixed amount is usually 100,000 yen for medical expenses, medicine, etc. This is often the case for major surgeries or long-term hospital visits.
Unfortunately, Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not counted under this system either.
However, there are some cases where the local tax office may decide differently depending on the nature of the expenses and other factors. Please consult with the tax office in your jurisdiction.
Cost of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment usually begins with a single oral medication, and the cost ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 yen per month.
Please see the following article for a cost breakdown of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment.
In some cases, Thinning hair treatment is covered by Insurance
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is generally not covered by insurance, but there are examples of “thinning hair treatments” that are covered by insurance in the broadest sense.
The following are thinning hair improvements that may be covered by insurance.
- Alopecia areata
- Diffuse alopecia
- Seborrheic alopecia
Two points to note are as follows;
- Treatment can be limited.
- Combination of insured and uninsured medical treatment (so-called mixed medical treatment) is prohibited in principle.
This treatment and this medication are stipulated for this condition. For example, local immunotherapy and chemical peels are not covered by insurance.
In addition, although there are some exceptions, mixed treatment of Male pattern boldness (AGA) and alopecia areata is not permitted.
The symptoms, causes, and treatment of alopecia areata are explained in detail in the following article.
If I get AGA treatment at a dermatologist, will it be covered by insurance?
Many people mistakenly believe that if they receive Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment at a general dermatology clinic instead of an AGA treatment clinic, it will be covered by insurance.
There is no difference in whether the same treatment is covered by insurance or not, depending on the hospital.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is entirely self-paid.
If you are not sure whether you should see a general dermatologist or a Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic, please refer to the following article.
How to reduce the Cost of AGA treatment
Here are some ways to reduce the cost of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment begins early
Male boldness (AGA) treatment should begin as early as possible. Early treatment delays the progression of symptoms and saves treatment time and cost.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a disease that progresses daily, and as symptoms worsen, treatment tends to be longer and more expensive. Early treatment reduces this risk and is economically beneficial.
In addition, since a wide variety of treatment options exist, it is essential to consult with a specialized institution as soon as you notice thinning hair to find the right treatment for you. If you notice early hair loss, we recommend that you consult with a specialized institution as soon as possible.
Use of generic drugs
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment requires continuous drug use. To reduce the cost of ongoing treatment, consider the use of generic drugs.
Generic drugs are generic drugs developed after the patent term of the original drug has expired. They are less expensive than brand-name drugs, but are almost as effective.
In Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, generics of oral medications containing finasteride are now available. For example, generic Propecia, launched by Pfizer Inc. in April 2015, as well as the clinic’s own proprietary treatments can be used to provide effective treatment while keeping costs down.
Costs can be reduced if the treatment is effective
When Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications show clear benefit, the amount of medication may be adjusted (dose reduction) or the type of medication may be changed to reduce the cost of treatment. As treatment progresses, if symptoms improve, the doctor may change the dosage or type of medication to accommodate the patient’s condition.
It is important to note, however, that such changes must be made under the doctor’s supervision. Self-directed treatment interruption, abstinence, or reduction of medication is not recommended.
It is essential that the Male pattern boldness (AGA) doctor conduct a detailed evaluation of the patient’s progress to determine the appropriate time and method of treatment adjustment. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor and base any changes in treatment on his or her professional advice, even when the effects of treatment have become visible.
Beware of Expensive Treatment at AGA clinics
There are still some malicious clinics that recommend ineffective and expensive free treatment methods.
When choosing a Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic, be aware of the following precautions.
- Suddenly offering an expensive treatment plan
- They suggest a medical loan
- Recommendation to purchase products unrelated to Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment
As a rule, treatment at Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinics is free medical treatment that is not covered by insurance. Be wary of unscrupulous clinics that charge high treatment fees.
The following article explains in detail how to choose a conscientious Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinic.
Conclusion
Male pattern boldness (AGA) does not necessarily improve with expensive treatment.
Also, if you stop medication immediately once treatment is complete, your hair may gradually return to thinning again.
The important thing is to tell the doctors and counselors at the Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinic what your budget is for treatment and to develop the best treatment plan within that budget.
Make sure you have a well-planned Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment at a reliable Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment clinic!
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