Thinking about participating in a clinical trial? Here are 10 ways you can benefit.

The decision to participate in a clinical trial should be a thoughtful process where volunteers evaluate the pros and cons of the potential trial. The decision to participate is an important part of your healthcare and can be a bit overwhelming. To help in the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons participation in a clinical trial can be a benefit to you.

10. Compensation is typically provided to qualified participants.

Often times we get questions from our patients asking how much it costs to participate in a clinical trial. Our answer: it is free! In fact, patients who qualify to participate in a clinical trial are often compensated for their time and travel expenses.

9. Your participation in a clinical trial is at-will.

This means that the decision to participate in a trial is always up to you. You can choose to discontinue a trial at any time if you feel that it isn’t right for you. This can help ease your mind knowing that if things come up or if you no longer feel comfortable, you can withdraw from the trial.

8. Insurance is not required to participate in a trial.

Unlike traditional healthcare, clinical trial participation does not typically require patients to have health insurance.  Since there is no cost to you, insurance is not needed and there will be no out-of-pocket costs incurred to our patients.

7. Diagnostic testing and other beneficial examinations are provided at no cost.

Often times, patients who participate in a clinical trial have access to beneficial medical exams and diagnostic testing that they otherwise wouldn’t have gotten. For example, MRI, CT scans, blood work and other costly tests may be performed during participation at absolutely no cost to participants.

6. Access to doctors and medical staff without the lengthy wait.

We can all probably attest to the fact that trying to get in to see a specialist and even a primary care doctor can be weeks or even months in some cases. Participants in clinical trials are able to see a physician without the lengthy wait and often receive more in-depth care and testing than at a typical doctor’s appointment.

5. Access to medications or devices before the general population.

Participants often receive access to potential new medications or devices before they are widely available to the general public. This may mean the opportunity to evaluate a medication where current treatment isn’t really working or effective for you.

4. Access to already approved medications and supplies

Some trials are evaluating already FDA approved medications and treatments to see how they compare to other approved or new treatment options. Participants may also have access to testing supplies. For example, some diabetes studies may provide testing strips and glucose monitoring supplies.

3. You may learn more about your condition and treatment options.

Participating in a clinical trial can help you learn more about your specific condition and ways to manage and treat it. In some cases, participants can receive a diagnosis for a condition they’ve been struggling with for years, which may mean a sense of relief. Here’s what happens during a clinical trial.

2. Your health and quality of life may improve.

By seeing a physician and medical staff, learning more about the causes of your condition and ways to manage and treat it, many participants experience better health and an improved quality of life.

1. Your participation can contribute to the advancement of medicine and help future generations.

Without participants like you, the medications we have available today wouldn’t exist. Many participants feel a sense of contribution to the community, their family and loved ones knowing that they have played a part in the advancement of new treatments and therapies. Read what happens after a clinical trial is over.

There are many potential benefits of participation in a clinical trial. If you have an interest in learning more about how to get involved in a trial in your area, talk with your physician about the potential risk and benefits to determine if it is right for you.

Click below to see currently enrolling trials in your area.