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SNAKE STRIKES, BUT THEN BILLS BITE

Snakebite victims get bitten

Date published: 9/6/2009

BY AARON RICHARDSON

Getting bitten by a copperhead means pain, swelling, blistering and tissue damage. But if you're a healthy adult, chances are that with proper treatment, you'll survive.

Surviving, however, may be the least of your concerns when the medical bill arrives.

According to Dr. Nathan Charlton at the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center at the University of Virginia Medical Center, one vial of the antivenin Crofab costs about $1,200. And that's not even one dose.

"A total dosing for a severe envenomation could cost up to $10,000," Charlton said.

Depending on the health insurance plan, that could mean a big out-of-pocket expense.

Scott Golden, a public relations representative at Anthem Blue Cross, said that Crofab is usually covered.

"If you have Anthem prescription drug coverage, it would be covered as a Tier 2 drug," he said.

Some plans, however, can carry as much as a 10 percent co-pay.

"How much you pay all depends on the coverage you have," Golden said.

The only way of truly knowing whether the antivenin is covered is to look at the specifics of each health insurance plan.

TREATMENT IS COSTLY

Stafford County resident Dawn DeCourcey says she is pleased with the coverage she had when she was bitten by a copperhead in July.

"My hospital bills will be up over 20 grand, and I'll be out 100 bucks," said DeCourcey, 40, a mother of two.

DeCourcey, who describes her coverage as "very good," said United Health Care paid $12,000 on drugs to treat the bite on her ankle.

The drugs helped her snakebite symptoms, but DeCourcey said there were side effects.

"I broke out in a rash from it," she said.

Aside from the side effects from the drug itself, DeCourcey said she needs physical therapy for a torn Achilles tendon.

"I had to walk with a pointed toe, and my Achilles shrank," she said. "The first time I went to put my heel down, my Achilles tore."

The recommended dosage of Crofab begins with four to six vials of the drug.

If symptoms return, the doctor may decide that an additional four to six vials are necessary.

If symptoms persist further, the hospital can administer another two vials every six hours for up to 18 hours.

The treatment, however, is almost inevitable, particularly with severe bites.

About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States, and five to 10 of those bites are deadly. Virginia has only three native venomous snakes: the timber rattlesnake, found in mountainous areas and in southeastern Virginia, where it is sometimes called the canebrake rattlesnake; the cottonmouth, found in southeastern Virginia; and the copperhead, which is common statewide. Virginia's poisonous snakes have elliptical pupils (like cat's eyes) instead of round ones, and triangular, spade-shaped heads instead of narrow, oval heads. If you or someone you know is bitten, assume the snake is poisonous and seek medical care. If possible, wash the bite with soap and water and remove constrictive items such as jewelry or tight clothing near the bite. Other tips: Mark the place and time of the bite on the person with a pen. Also note any swelling. Keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom. Keep the person calm, and restrict movement of the affected area. DO NOT give the victim drugs or alcohol, cut the wound, apply a tourniquet or ice, or use any form of suction. --Information provided by the Virginia Herpetological Society and the Blue Ridge Poison Center

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Date published: 9/6/2009

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