Question: Why doesn't my doctor offer Gardasil?
I have been trying to find a doctor's office that will give me Gardasil, but have been having trouble. Why aren't more doctors carrying the vaccine?
Answer: Unfortunately, some of the doctors that offer Gardasil are losing money by stocking and giving the vaccine to patients. The Washington Post reports that some insurance companies are reimbursing doctors only $90 for each of the $120 doses of the vaccine. You also have to consider the cost of stocking the vaccine, staffing a nurse to give the shot, syringes, and other related costs.
Alternative Options If Your Doctor Doesn't Offer Gardasil
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Ask your doctor to write a prescription for Gardasil. You will have the prescription filled and then take the vaccine back to your doctor to have it administered. Keep in mind that Gardasil has three injections that are given over the course of six months. Your doctor will write one prescription with two refills for the remaining doses. The current out of pocket expense for Gardasil could be as little as $120 or as much as $200 per dose in the pharmacy. Ask your doctor to provide a referral to a doctor that does offer the vaccine.
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Check with your local health department or low-cost clinic. Call your local health department or Planned Parenthood for information.
If your doctor does not offer the vaccine because of your insurance company's reimbursement policy, write a letter to your insurance company asking them to review their physician reimbursement policy. While you may not see an immediate change in their policy, companies do take customer complaints into consideration.
