Understanding the Costs and Value of Dignicap Cold Caps

Understanding the Cost of Dignicap Cold Caps

Hair loss is one of the most emotionally difficult side effects for people undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Losing your hair can negatively impact self-esteem and body image. Fortunately, cooling caps like Dignicap can help cancer patients hold onto their hair during chemotherapy.

How Dignicap Cold Caps Work

Dignicap is a type of scalp cooling system that uses cold temperatures to constrict blood vessels underneath the skin of the scalp. This helps prevent chemotherapy medications from reaching and damaging hair follicles, allowing patients to retain a significant amount of their hair.

Patients wear the tight-fitting Dignicap cold cap before, during, and after each chemotherapy treatment to maintain the cooling and protective effects. The cap is connected to a cooling and control unit which circulates coolant and monitors the scalp temperature.

Evidence Behind Dignicap Efficacy

Multiple clinical studies have found Dignicap and other scalp cooling systems to be effective at preventing hair loss during chemotherapy. Success rates vary from study to study, but tend to range from 50-80% in terms of retaining at least half of hair.

A multi-center trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017 evaluated Dignicap use in women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer. Nearly 50% of patients retained their hair throughout chemotherapy and almost 75% kept over half their hair.

Cost Breakdown of Dignicap Cold Cap Treatments

The cost of using Dignicap cold caps includes both purchase costs and rental fees which can vary by provider. Additional costs may also be incurred for cap fitting and sizing as well as assistance putting the cap on during treatments.

Dignicap Equipment Purchase

Patients have the option to purchase the Dignicap equipment including the cooling and control unit. This ranges from $1500-$2500 depending on the model and retailer.

Additional one-time costs when purchasing equipment include:

• Dignicap caps: $150-$350 per cap
• Carrying bags: $200-$300
• Cap sizing: $50-$100 per sizing

Dignicap Rental Packages

Many facilities offer Dignicap use through rental packages which include:

• Cooling and control unit rental
• Dignicap caps
• Supplies and maintenance
• Accessories like chin straps

Standard rental packages cost approximately $600 per month which would amount to $3000 for a typical 5 month chemotherapy regimen. Deluxe rental packages with more extensive cap options range from $800-$1200 per month.

Additional Dignicap Expenses

On top of equipment costs, using Dignicap cold caps comes with a few additional fees including:

• Cap fitting/sizing: $50+ per session
• Tax on rentals or purchases
• Shipping fees if not obtained locally
• Assistance putting caps on: $50+ per treatment

Is Dignicap Worth the Cost?

With total costs often amounting to several thousand dollars over the course of chemotherapy, many patients have doubts over whether Dignicap provides enough benefit to justify the expense. There are a few factors to consider when weighing the value of paying for cold cap hair loss prevention.

Hair Loss Impact on Wellbeing

Losing your crowning glory can negatively affect self-image and quality of life for many chemotherapy patients. Studies show that body image dissatisfaction from hair loss can contribute to:

• Depression and anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Reduced social functioning

For patients already dealing with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, losing hair can feel like the last straw. Being able to maintain some or most of your hair can provide comfort and restore confidence during a vulnerable time.

Effectiveness of Dignicap

While cold caps don't provide complete hair loss protection for everyone, they have proven moderately to highly effective for many patients. Individual results can vary substantially based factors like cancer type and chemotherapy regimen.

In general, cold caps seem to work best for retaining hair thickness and volume rather than preventing shedding entirely. Using them can mean the difference between needing a wig or scarf versus undergoing subtle thinning.

Cost Comparisons

Compared to expenses like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy infusions themselves, the cost of Dignicap is relatively small. However, with many cancer patients facing health insurance caps or coverage limitations, affording cold caps represents a hardship.

Evaluating personal finances and determining what costs are manageable or worth taking on debt for is an individual decision for those considering cold caps.

Financial Assistance Options for Dignicap

Organizations like the Children's Hair Loss Foundation and the HairToStay Foundation provide need-based financial assistance for cold cap treatments. They accept grant applications from cancer patients meeting certain requirements related to income level and medical status.

Many hospitals and independent organizations also offer wig banks where cancer patients can obtain free donated wigs. Scarves, hats, and head coverings may also be available through local cancer charities and nonprofit groups.

Health Insurance Appeals

While scalp cooling treatments are still considered experimental by many major health insurance plans, exceptions can sometimes be obtained through appeals. Patients deemed good candidates for cold cap therapy may convince their insurance company to cover costs by having their oncologist provide documentation of medical necessity.

Clinical Trial Participation

Patients can volunteer to enroll in clinical research studies examining Dignicap efficacy and other scalp cooling systems. Participating in these trials typically provides free access to the cooling devices being studied. However, acceptance into studies depends on eligibility factors and openings can be limited.

Tax Deductions

Self-employed cancer patients or those who itemize health care expenses may be able to deduct Dignicap costs from their taxes, including both equipment purchases and rental fees. However, total medical expenses need to exceed a certain percentage of adjusted gross income to qualify for deductions.

Using Crowdfunding Campaigns

An increasing number of cancer patients have found success raising money for medical bills through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe. Campaigns focused specifically on combatting hair loss with cold caps tend to resonate with donors and often meet or surpass funding goals.

Friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and even compassionate strangers have contributed to campaigns seeks funds for Dignicap and other scalp cooling solutions. Successful campaigns tell a compelling patient story and provide frequent updates showing donor impact.

While turning to others for help can feel uncomfortable or even desperate for some, think of it as allowing loved ones and community members to play a tangible role providing support during cancer treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.