Greetings!
Once our current supply is exhausted, we will no longer stock Mirena, the intrauterine birth control device.
Bayer, the manufacturer of the Mirena IUD, recently announced a price increase, almost doubling the price. Not only will this outrageous change in price affect our patients adversely, it also makes it impossible for us to stock the device in our office.
We understand this will be challenging to women for the following reasons:
- Affordability-An additional $300 (for a total cost of $750) will be either passed to you or your insurance company. In addition, we cannot afford to buy it and provide it for our patients. It is our belief that this excessive increase no longer makes Mirena a viable choice for birth control.
- Availability-The manufacturer is proposing that patients order and pay for the Mirena, then come into the office for insertion. Not only does this greatly complicate the process for our patients, but in our experience, it will likely have the practical effect of greatly increasing the out-of-pocket costs to you.
LUCKILY, YOU HAVE A CHOICE!
Alternative methods are available that provide long term birth control at a more reasonable cost. We specifically recommend the Paragard IUD. Paragard is as effective as the Mirena in preventing pregnancy and can be used for up to ten years, instead of just five years with the Mirena.
In this time of excessive health care costs, there is simply no excuse for this attempt to raise prices just before healthcare reform potentially becomes a reality. This is just wrong and we need to stand up to this price gouging and reject it. There is absolutely no justification for this increase; it is to maximize profit and revenue beyond an already high price.
As patient advocates, we take our role seriously in trying to do the best for our patients. We will not participate in this charade; this is morally wrong. We urge everyone to not use the Mirena IUD.
Please feel free to call us to discuss your birth control alternatives.
The physicians of The Women's Health Group, P.C.
303-280-2229/303-665-6016
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