Many sponsors fund and run clinical studies, including government agencies, college campuses, pharmaceutical companies and other entities. Searching online is the easiest way to find paid medical trials or studies focusing on your condition. If you need medical treatment, your doctor may be able to tell you upcoming experimental studies.
A clinical trial site is usually at a doctor’s office, hospital, university or research facility. However, virtual clinical trials are increasing in availability these days. For example, you can participate in paid psychology studies online by completing surveys from the comfort of your home or while on the go.
Colleges and Universities
If you’re looking for free medical care, it may be best to contact any colleges and universities in your area.
Typically, you can contact a school’s medical program, dental program and psychology department to find out what paid tests or free services they currently offer. Most schools will list any studies on the department’s home page and allow you to apply or register on the site.
Government Research
The federal government funds clinical trials that evaluate the effects of drugs, medical devices and procedures. Most of this clinical research is for the following agencies:
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Veterans Affairs
NIH clinical trials include those run by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). NCI runs clinical trials for mesothelioma and other cancers with volunteer patients who have eligible conditions. NIH has an annual budget of more than $30 billion for cancer clinical research to test new drugs and medical treatments.
The federal government updates the lists on clinicaltrials.gov of studies looking for volunteer participants, including trials by private organizations and universities.
Clinical Research Organizations
Government-sponsored trials tell you what they are testing on their websites, but you usually need to apply to learn about the compensation.
On the other hand, private organizations are upfront about payment, but may not tell you as much about the study’s other details until you apply.
Here is a list of clinical research organizations:
- Celerion
- ICON (offers compensation up to $13,000).
- Takeda
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
You may also be able to apply for clinical trial drugs without participating in a study. “Expanded access” or “compassionate use” can let you receive investigative medication and treatment if it may help your life-threatening condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved trial drugs, so the potential benefits must justify the possible risks.
How Insurance Works With Clinical Studies
Clinical trials have research costs (such as the experimental drug) and patient care costs, including lab tests and hospital stays. The federal government requires health insurance companies to cover the patient care cost of clinical trials if:
- You are eligible for the trials.
- The clinical trial is federally approved, like those run by NIH, NCI, and CDC.
- The clinical trial does not involve out-of-network providers.
However, most trial sponsors cover costs insurance companies will not pay, including additional laboratory tests. Similarly, research groups may pay you for any travel expenses.
By Admin –
