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Tuberculosis: Prevention & Insurance Coverage
If you are one of the many people suffering from tuberculosis, it’s important to know if your health insurance covers this condition and what you can expect from TB coverage. This condition, which can be a serious infection that impacts the health of the lungs, is not one to avoid getting care for and it may not always be possible to prevent TB. However, most health insurance policies will cover this condition and treatment for it. Here’s some information that may help you, though it is not to be considered medical advice.
What Causes Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, which is often called just TB, is a condition that transfers from one person to another. This typically occurs when tiny amounts of the bacteria are released into the air when a person who has it coughs or sneezes. Though this condition was once nearly eradicated, it has become more common again due to the fact that HIV, which has also grown, impacts the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off conditions such as TB. What makes it specifically worrisome is that most strains of it are resistant to drugs, which makes getting rid of it very hard to do.
Tuberculosis Risk Group
Some people are more likely to suffer from this condition than others do. Though the bacteria that causes TB can be present in the body and not cause symptoms, some people are more likely to develop this condition. Specifically, those people who have a weakened immune system are most likely to suffer from it. This includes those who have diabetes, malnutrition, HIV/AIDs, some types of cancers, those who use some types of drugs to prevent against rejection of transplanted organs, and those who are very young or those who are very old.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
There are many symptoms of TB to monitor for. Some active forms of TB will show symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, chills, coughing up blood, coughing that lasts for three weeks or longer, and unintentional weight loss. It can also create chest pain and, in some people, pain from coughing or breathing is likely to occur.
Other people who may be at an increased risk include those who live in poverty, those who have a substance abuse problem or living with someone that does, and those who live in certain areas including Africa, Asia, Russia, and Latin America.
Prevention of Tuberculosis
It can be possible to prevent some types of TB. Medications can be used to help prevent a reoccurrence if you have had one outbreak. There are also some types of vaccines that may help. However, Mayo Clinic reports that it is important for people who have an active form to be proactive in staying home, covering their mouth, and wearing a max.
Health Insurance Coverage for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is the type of condition that can occur in anyone that does not have proper immunizations against it. It is a highly contagious condition, which is why it is so important for you to make sure you have health insurance. The medical costs for treatment of TB can range widely, but they can involve numerous doctor visits, prescription medications, and other procedures. Proper health insurance can help you avoid the serious complications.
It is important to consider tuberculosis as a disease that is generally covered under traditional health insurance policies. Because it is possible to be vaccinated against it to some degree, your doctor may be able to provide you with a vaccine that is also covered under your health insurance policy. Most people should have this especially if they work in a high risk area.
If you believe you have TB, visit your local emergency room or doctor’s office for help. Most of the time, this type of treatment facility is available through your health insurance. However, you may need to receive preapproval from your insurer for coverage for specialist care. To get more information, be sure you have a health insurance agent talk to you about your coverage.
If you are at risk for TB, be sure to seek out help from your health insurance coverage. Do not put off getting medication and treatment if you have an active outbreak.
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