With knee pain comes mobility issues and chronic discomfort. Finding a treatment that relieves some symptoms that contribute to reduced function and flexibility in the knee joint can help you regain strength and freedom of movement. Depending on your specific needs, your doctor may recommend a series of injections that may help with mobility. It’s important to understand your Medicare benefits and how coverage may impact your costs for Euflexxa.
How Euflexxa Injections Work
The active ingredient of Euflexxa, sodium hyaluronate, simulates a substance that the body naturally produces as a lubricant between connective tissues. Knee pain due to osteoarthritis and other medical conditions that deplete the body of this substance can be relieved with Euflexxa injections.
With the injection of sodium hyaluronate, your knee can regain the internal shock absorption it needs to function without pain and inflammation. As a treatment option, Euflexxa may be suggested as an alternative to knee replacement surgery. Your physician can help you evaluate your options and form a treatment plan that works best for you.
These injections may require administration by a trained clinician and are generally done at an outpatient healthcare facility. The strength of the dose and the timing of injections can vary, but injections are typically administered in a multi-week series with a week’s span between each dose.
Side Effects and Risks Associated with Euflexxa Injections
Serious side effects are rare with Euflexxa injections. Some people may have a sensitivity to medicines made with hyaluronate, and this sensitivity may present like an allergic reaction. Common signs of an allergic reaction include discolored skin near the site of the injection or a rash, as well as pain, fever, swelling in the face or difficulty swallowing, and trouble breathing.
Some swelling and discomfort at the injection site is considered normal, and your doctor may advise you to reduce your activity for up to 48 hours after treatment. There may be other symptoms as your body adjusts to the presence of a synthetic hyaluronate, which may include headache, stomach pain or loss of appetite. Your doctor can help you understand what to expect and how long these may last. In many cases, symptoms such as these disappear after a few treatments.
Medicare Coverage for Euflexxa Injections
Medicare Part B can help cover medically necessary treatments that are administered by a healthcare professional in an outpatient setting. You will be responsible for the monthly premium, and any coinsurance or copayments. The Part B deductible will apply.
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover some of the costs that Original Medicare does not, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you will have at least the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many MA plans offer additional benefits.
Certain policies may require documentation of medical necessity or prior authorization before Euflexxa injections can be administered. Check with your Medicare provider and your doctor about what requirements may apply to your circumstances.
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