You and your care team
Your care team is an important part of your life. Still, there may be times when you need to make a change.
If you’re switching from pediatric to adult care, going to college, or moving to a new city, visit the World Federation of Hemophilia site to find a new treatment center.
What to do in between your appointments
Keeping track of what happens between visits can help you navigate care decisions with confidence. Here are a few steps you can take:
Stay in touch.
When needed, reach out to others on your care team, including your regular doctor.
Exercise if appropriate.
Physical activity can help improve or maintain strength and flexibility.
Use an app to keep track.
It can help you track bleeds, infusions, appointments, and prescriptions. It’s also a place to note how you’re doing, physically and mentally. You can refer to it at your next appointment.
We’re committed to helping you afford your Pfizer prescriptions.
From co-pay cards to self-pay savings and help navigating insurance approvals, we’ll guide you to the right support. And if you’re eligible for our programs, we’ll help you get the Pfizer medicines you need.
When you hear the words “prior authorization,” here’s what to know.
For some medications, your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance provider before the prescription can be filled. This is also known as a “prior authorization.”
Without this approval, your insurance plan may not pay for your medication.
Why do some medications or procedures require prior authorization?
Health insurance companies have long used prior authorization as a way to control their costs. Without prior authorization, your insurance plan may not pay for your medication, and you would be responsible for the full cost.
What is prior authorization?
Prior authorization (also called “preapproval” or “precertification”) is what your health insurance company sometimes requires in order to approve coverage for certain medications or procedures before they are prescribed. It’s essentially your healthcare provider claiming that the care they prescribed is medically necessary.
What happens if my prior authorization request is denied?
Don’t worry, you have options. Sometimes even simple clerical errors can affect a request. So, the first best step is to find out why. Your healthcare provider should be able to help. You and your provider may choose to appeal the decision if you think the denial was not justified.
How long does the prior authorization process take?
Currently, prior authorizations are processed within 5 to 10 days. For some medications, it can take up to 30 days. For urgent requests, prior authorizations can be processed within 72 hours.
Related resources
Find out more about living with and treating hemophilia.
- /hemophilia/education/hemophilia-types-von-willebrand-disease
- /hemophilia/education/hemophilia-in-women-and-girls
- /hemophilia/education/aging-with-hemophilia
- /health/education/types-of-blood-disorders
We’ll help guide you through hemophilia.
The Health Information Center has in-depth, medically reviewed articles on hemophilia care, management, and so much more.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a bleed is an emergency?
Injury, wounds, and bleeds in the head, spine, throat, eyes, abdomen, and muscles are all emergencies. Look for warning signs as well, including:
- Severe pain or swelling in joints or muscles
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Blood in vomit, urine, or stool, including bloody or black stool; difficult urination or bowel movement
- Headache, sleepiness, and seizures which can be signs of a brain bleed
- Pale or cool hands or feet
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or feet
- Swelling in the neck, tongue, face, or throat that makes it hard to breathe
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Still, if you see or feel any of these signs, go to the emergency room immediately and reach out to someone on your care team.
What kind of treatments are available for hemophilia?
Hemophilia treatment continues to evolve. Talk to your care team about how prophylactic treatment may improve factor levels, prevent excess bleeding, and reduce the risk of joint problems.
You can also find out more about hemophilia treatments here.
What are clinical trials and could they be an option?
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. Your care team can help you understand if a clinical trial may be appropriate for you. If you are recommended for a clinical trial, your care team can help you review the details and decide what feels right for you. You may want to ask:
- What is the study testing?
- How does the treatment being tested compare to the standard treatment?
- What are the potential benefits and risks?
- How will participation affect daily life?
- What would happen if I decide to stop participating?’
I’m going to college soon, what steps should I take?
There are five steps you can take, think of it as STUDI:
- Search for and find a hemophilia treatment center near your school
- Talk to your roommates about your hemophilia and your treatment schedule
- Update your address so that your medications are shipped to you or to a nearby friend or family member
- Determine an emergency plan. Start by saving the number of your emergency contact in your phone and by posting it where others can see it quickly
- Identify yourself in case of emergency by always wearing your medical-alert bracelet or device
Discover more ways to prepare for care and emergencies.
I’m starting my job search, what steps should I take?
The right job can offer you more than income — it can also give you a sense of purpose. It goes without saying that people with bleeding disorders need jobs that will not cause frequent bruising or bleeding and will also provide good health insurance.
You have the right to say nothing about your hemophilia as long as it does not keep you from performing your job. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with medical impairments are protected from discrimination. Simply put: your employer should hire you based on your background and abilities and not discriminate against you because of your hemophilia.
One reason to reveal your bleeding disorder is that it gives you a chance to educate your employer from the start. You can feel more in control of your situation and have the ability to ease their worries. Since finding the right job is a journey, you may want to go the extra mile and have someone from your local HTC contact your employer with reassuring, written information.