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Flagship Patient & Caregiver Hub72 Recruiting Trials • 9 Pathway Price Guides • Medicare NCD 160.24

Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Trials, Care Pathway Prices & Medicare Guide

Built for patients, spouses, and adult children: search live recruiting Parkinson's clinical trials by city or ZIP code, compare real published hospital prices for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), DaTscan, Brain MRI, and LSVT physical & speech therapy, and navigate Medicare, Medigap, and Medi-Cal long-term care.

Tier 1: General Prices(Cash / Medicare / Negotiated Range)Tier 2: Your Price (Payer-Adjusted for Your Plan)

Accuracy Level — General Prices: You are currently viewing general published hospital cash prices, Medicare baselines, and wide multi-payer ranges. Add your insurance card to see YOUR price for your specific payer and plan.

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72 Verified Recruiting Trials (57 in CA • 689+ Nationwide)Updated: October 31, 2026 (Live ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 Sync)

Parkinson's Clinical Trials Near Me

Search real, actively recruiting Parkinson's disease studies from the official NLM / NIH ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 by city or ZIP code and distance radius. Filter by study phase and intervention type — drug, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) & focused ultrasound devices, gene & stem-cell therapies, or exercise & speech rehabilitation.

Full Trials Search Page
Intervention:
Phase:
Showing 8 of 33 matching recruiting Parkinson's trials within 100 miles of San Francisco, CA.
RECRUITINGNCT04994015Device / DBS / Focused UltrasoundOBSERVATIODevice / BehavioralL0 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04994015)

Parkinson's Foundation PD GENEration Genetic Registry

Lead Sponsor: Parkinson's Foundation • Last Updated: 2026-09-08
What It Tests (Plain English)
DEVICE: Lab Assay for seven genetic variants for Parkinson's Disease

Development of a central repository for PD-related genomic data for future research.

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
18 Years (no upper age limit) • Sex: ALL

Ages 18 Years (no upper age limit) (ALL) — Study Population 1: PWP (open for recruitment) • 1. Meet Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Parkinson's Disease: probable diagnosis. • 2. Willingness to undergo genetic testing, and choose to be informed of genetic testing results for GBA, LRRK2 a...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
San Francisco, California, 94143 (0 mi away)
Contact: Kamalini Ghosh, MS
1-800-473-4636
kghosh@parkinson.org
RECRUITINGNCT04373317Drug / PharmacotherapyPhase 40 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04373317)

Pimavanserin vs. Quetiapine for Treatment of Parkinson's Psychosis

Lead Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Last Updated: 2026-08-19
What It Tests (Plain English)
DRUG: Pimavanserin; DRUG: Quetiapine

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) sometimes experience symptoms affecting their movement, such as slowness, tremor, stiffness, and balance or walking problems. Many patients also have other symptoms not related to movement, called non-motor symptoms, which may affect one's mood or ...

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
40 Years (no upper age limit) • Sex: ALL

Ages 40 Years (no upper age limit) (ALL) — Veteran • * Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease consistent with UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic Criteria • * Psychosis \[with Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) hallucinations (B) or delusions (A) score 4 or greater\] • * Stable dose of PD medications ...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, California, 94121-1563 (0 mi away)
Contact: Daniel Weintraub, MD
(215) 823-5800
daniel.weintraub@va.gov
RECRUITINGNCT06989112Drug / PharmacotherapyPhase 30 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06989112)

DESTINY-Endometrial01: A Phase III Study of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Plus Rilvegostomig or Pembrolizumab as First-Line Treatment of HER2-Expressing (IHC 3+/2+), Mismatch Repair Proficient (pMMR) Endometrial Cancer

Lead Sponsor: AstraZeneca • Last Updated: 2026-10-13
What It Tests (Plain English)
DRUG: Trastuzumab deruxtecan; DRUG: Rilvegostomig; DRUG: Pembrolizumab

DESTINY-Endometrial01 will investigate the efficacy of first-line T-DXd + rilvegostomig (Arm A) and/or T-DXd+ pembrolizumab (Arm B) when compared to chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) + pembrolizumab (Arm C), by assessment of progression free survival (PFS), as assessed by BICR, in...

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
18 Years (no upper age limit) • Sex: FEMALE

Ages 18 Years (no upper age limit) (FEMALE) — Key • * ≥ 18 years of age at the time of screening. Other age restrictions may apply as per local regulations. • * Histologically confirmed diagnosis of epithelial endometrial carcinoma. All histologies are allowed except for sarcomas (carcinosarcomas are allowed). • * Partici...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
Research Site
San Francisco, California, 94143 (0 mi away)
Contact: AstraZeneca Clinical Study Information Center
1-877-240-9479
information.center@astrazeneca.com
RECRUITINGNCT07174310Drug / PharmacotherapyPhase 30 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07174310)

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous (IV) Prasinezumab in Participants With Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease

Lead Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Last Updated: 2026-10-06
What It Tests (Plain English)
DRUG: Prasinezumab; DRUG: Placebo

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of prasinezumab compared with placebo in participants with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) on stable symptomatic monotherapy with levodopa.

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
50 Years up to 85 Years • Sex: ALL

Ages 50 Years up to 85 Years (ALL) — Body weight within 40-110 kilograms (kg) (88-242 pounds \[lbs\]) and a body mass index within the range 18-34 kg/m2 • * Diagnosis of idiopathic PD based on Movement Disorder Society (MDS) criteria • * Has received monotherapy treatment • * An MDS-UPDRS Part IV score of 0 at sc...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
San Francisco, California, 94158 (0 mi away)
Contact: Reference Study ID Number: BN44715 https://forpatients.roche.com/ No attachments to email below.
888-662-6728 (U.S. and Canada)
global-roche-genentech-trials@gene.com
RECRUITINGNCT05395624Drug / PharmacotherapyPhase 1Phase 20 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05395624)

Safety, PK and Biodistribution of 18F-OP-801 in Patients With ALS, AD, MS, PD and Healthy Volunteers

Lead Sponsor: Ashvattha Therapeutics, Inc. • Last Updated: 2025-05-02
What It Tests (Plain English)
DRUG: 18F-OP-801

This is a Phase 1/2 study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of 18F-OP-801 in subjects with ALS, AD, MS, PD and age-matched HVs. 18F-OP-801 is intended as a biomarker for PET imaging of activated microglia and macrophages in regions of neuroinflammation.

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
18 Years up to 80 Years • Sex: ALL

Ages 18 Years up to 80 Years (ALL) — 1. Has the ability to understand and sign the written ICF and local medical privacy authorization forms, which must be obtained prior to the conduct of any study related procedures. • 2. Female subjects of non-childbearing potential must be either surgically sterile (hysterect...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
UCSF
San Francisco, California, 94107 (0 mi away)
Contact: Julee Cheung
408-476-4172
jcheung@avttx.com
RECRUITINGNCT07682311Device / DBS / Focused UltrasoundDevice / Behavioral0 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07682311)

Automated Daytime Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Parameter Optimization in Patients Implanted With Percept Neurostimulator

Lead Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco • Last Updated: 2026-09-14
What It Tests (Plain English)
DEVICE: Medtronic Percept Deep Brain Stimulation (adaptive DBS); DEVICE: Medtronic Percept Deep Brain Stimulation (cDBS)

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects \~1% of people over 60 years old, is highly disabling and represents a large economic burden. While dopaminergic medications effectively treat motor symptoms early in the disease, most patients develop complications, including motor fluctuations and dysk...

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
25 Years up to 75 Years • Sex: ALL

Ages 25 Years up to 75 Years (ALL) — 1. Age 25-75. • 2. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD. • 3. Patient has undergone surgical intervention with deep brain stimulation (Percept device) for their disorder at least 2 months prior to recruitment. • 4. Absence of significant cognitive impairment (score of 24 or greater on t...

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94107 (0 mi away)
Contact: Research Coordinator
5175152739
sebastian.liu@ucsf.edu
RECRUITINGNCT03664609Device / DBS / Focused UltrasoundOBSERVATIODevice / BehavioralL0 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03664609)

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Retrospective Outcomes Study

Lead Sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation • Last Updated: 2026-10-07
What It Tests (Plain English)
DEVICE: Deep Brain Stimulation

The primary objective of this study is to characterize real-world clinical outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) using retrospective review of de-identified patient records.

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
18 Years (no upper age limit) • Sex: ALL

Ages 18 Years (no upper age limit) (ALL) — Must be previously treated with or eligible for implantation with a deep brain stimulation system •

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143 (0 mi away)
Contact: Cleo Mertz
855-213-9890
BSNClinicalTrials@bsci.com
RECRUITINGNCT05065151Device / DBS / Focused UltrasoundDevice / Behavioral0 miles from San Francisco, CA
Official ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05065151)

Understanding Motivation in Parkinson's Patients Through Neurophysiology

Lead Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco • Last Updated: 2026-06-05
What It Tests (Plain English)
OTHER: Stimulation on; OTHER: Stimulation off; BEHAVIORAL: Decision Making Task

The study aims to better understand motivation and value-based decision-making in Parkinson's patients through neurophysiology using Medtronic's Percept DBS device. By combining behavioral tasks with neural recordings, the study seeks to uncover how DBS affects motivation, particularly ...

Who's Eligible (Age & Key Criteria)
18 Years (no upper age limit) • Sex: ALL

Ages 18 Years (no upper age limit) (ALL) — Has Parkinson's Disease or Dystonia • * Has Medtronic Percept or RC+S DBS device implanted in either GPI or STN • * Has DBS device implanted either bilaterally or unilaterally • * Male or female • * More than 1 month post-DBS surgery •

Nearest Recruiting Site & Study Contact
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94158 (0 mi away)
Contact: Sarah Wang, PhD
415-353-7885
Sarah.Wang@ucsf.edu
Real Published Bay Area Hospital MRF Data (45 CFR § 180.50) • Sourced & Dated

DBS Surgery Cost, DaTscan Cost & Full Parkinson's Care Pathway Prices

Compare published cash prices, 2026 CMS Medicare fee schedule rates, and insurer negotiated ranges across 14 Bay Area hospitals for every stage of Parkinson's care.

Add your insurance card to see YOUR price →
Headline Procedure: Highest Cost Variance in Parkinson's CareCPT 61885 / 61867 • Inpatient MS-DRG 024

DBS Surgery Cost (Deep Brain Stimulation): Facility-by-Facility Bay Area Spread

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves stereotactic brain lead implantation (CPT 61863/61867) and chest neurostimulator pulse generator implantation (CPT 61885/61886, or inpatient MS-DRG 024). Published hospital charges and commercial negotiated rates vary by more than 10x across Bay Area medical centers.

Full DBS Surgery Price Page
Tier 1: General Published Commercial / Cash Spread
$4,610 – $467,890
From outpatient pulse generator replacement ($13.6k+) to full inpatient bilateral DBS surgery (MS-DRG 024)
Tier 1: 2026 CMS Medicare Allowed Baseline
$24,865 (APC 5464) / $36,420 (DRG 024)
Original Medicare Part A inpatient deductible is $1,716 (2026); $0 with Medigap Plan G
Unlock Tier 2: Your Plan's DBS Rate
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Bay Area Hospital & CityTier 1: Negotiated Payer SpreadTier 1: Published Cash / Self-Pay2026 Medicare BaselineMRF Source & Date
UCSF Medical Center (SF)
San Francisco, San Francisco County • Implant neuroelectrode
$7,145 – $176,906
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Stanford Hospital (Palo Alto)
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County • Insrt/redo neurostim 1 array
$13,697 – $84,766
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Stanford Tri-Valley (Pleasanton)
Pleasanton, Alameda County • Insrt/redo neurostim 1 array
$4,610 – $147,104
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
El Camino Health (Mountain View)
Mountain View, Santa Clara County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$40,000 – $306,186
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Washington Hospital (Fremont)
Fremont, Alameda County • CRANIOTOMY WITH MAJOR DEVICE IMPLANT OR AC
$4,813 – $467,890
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
$337,921$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-07-24
CPMC Van Ness (San Francisco)
San Francisco, San Francisco County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$224,758 – $250,662
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Alta Bates Medical Center (Berkeley)
Berkeley, Alameda County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$44,692 – $288,240
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Summit Medical Center (Oakland)
Oakland, Alameda County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$44,075 – $258,795
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Eden Medical Center (Castro Valley)
Castro Valley, Alameda County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$43,291 – $243,357
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Mills-Peninsula (Burlingame)
Burlingame, San Mateo County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$42,798 – $256,358
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Sutter Delta (Antioch)
Antioch, Contra Costa County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$43,302 – $243,357
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Novato Community Hospital (Marin)
Novato, Marin County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$210,697 – $243,357
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional
Santa Rosa, Sonoma County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$48,055 – $243,357
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01
Sutter Solano (Vallejo)
Vallejo, Solano County • Craniotomy With Major Device Implant Or Ac
$210,697 – $228,235
Tier 1: General Negotiated Range
Inpatient Case Rate$24,865 / $36,420
CMS 45 CFR § 180.50 Hospital MRF (v3.0.0)
Updated: 2026-04-01

Complete Parkinson's Care Pathway Price Catalogue (9 Audited Services)

Includes DaTscan cost, Brain MRI cost, Neurology consult cost, Parkinson's physical therapy cost (LSVT BIG), occupational therapy, speech therapy (LSVT LOUD), swallow study, and home health.

CPT 61885Tier 1: General Prices

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery — Lead & Neurostimulator Implant

Surgical implantation of thin electrodes into movement-controlling areas of the brain (subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus) connected to a chest neurostimulator ('brain pacemaker'). The highest-variance procedure cost a Parkinson's family faces.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$337,921–$337,921
2026 Medicare Rate
$24,865
Negotiated Range
$4,610–$467,890
Add your insurance card to see YOUR priceCompare 14 Hospitals
CPT 78803Tier 1: General Prices

DaTscan — Dopamine Transporter Brain SPECT Imaging (CPT 78803 + A9584)

Specialized nuclear medicine brain scan using Ioflupane I-123 (DaTscan®) to visualize dopamine transporter density in the striatum and distinguish Parkinson's disease from Essential Tremor or drug-induced parkinsonism.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$390–$5,478
2026 Medicare Rate
$1,308.45
Negotiated Range
$389–$16,079
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CPT 70551Tier 1: General Prices

Brain MRI Without Contrast

Detailed 3D magnetic resonance scan of the brain and brainstem without intravenous contrast dye. Commonly ordered for chronic headaches, dizziness, neurological symptoms, or stroke/MS evaluation.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$1,719–$5,481
2026 Medicare Rate
$339.26
Negotiated Range
$135–$8,227
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CPT 99204Tier 1: General Prices

Neurology Consult & Movement Disorder Specialist Follow-Up (CPT 99204 / 99214)

Comprehensive evaluation and medication titration visit with a neurologist or fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist (assessing UPDRS motor score, levodopa ON/OFF windows, tremor, rigidity, and gait).

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$170–$623
2026 Medicare Rate
$194.82
Negotiated Range
$23–$1,247
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CPT 97110Tier 1: General Prices

Physical Therapy — Therapeutic Exercise (Per 15-Min Unit)

One-on-one outpatient physical therapy session unit (15 minutes per unit; a typical 45-minute PT visit bills 3 units) focused on strength, mobility, and injury/neurological rehabilitation.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$58–$268.4
2026 Medicare Rate
$35.91
Negotiated Range
$16–$336
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CPT 97535Tier 1: General Prices

Occupational Therapy — Parkinson's ADL, Fine Motor & Home Safety (CPT 97535 / 97165)

Specialized occupational therapy for Parkinson's focusing on handwriting (micrographia), buttoning/dressing, utensils for hand tremor, bathroom grab-bar & fall prevention modifications, and energy conservation.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$70–$240
2026 Medicare Rate
$36.4
Negotiated Range
$16–$905
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CPT 92507Tier 1: General Prices

Speech Therapy (incl. LSVT LOUD Voice & Dysarthria Therapy — CPT 92507)

Individual speech-language pathology session — including LSVT LOUD® (16 intensive sessions over 4 weeks) and Parkinson Voice Project SPEAK OUT!® — to treat soft voice (hypophonia), slurred speech, and vocal projection.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$92–$646
2026 Medicare Rate
$83.88
Negotiated Range
$61–$954
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CPT 92611Tier 1: General Prices

Swallow Study — Modified Barium Swallow / Videofluoroscopy (CPT 92611 + 74230)

Real-time X-ray video swallow study (Modified Barium Swallow) performed jointly by a speech-language pathologist and radiologist to detect silent aspiration, choking risk, and dysphagia in Parkinson's disease.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$288–$1,137
2026 Medicare Rate
$256.58
Negotiated Range
$57–$1,245
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CPT 99349Tier 1: General Prices

Home Health & Neuromuscular Rehab Visit (CPT 99349 / CPT 97112)

In-home clinical evaluation or specialized Parkinson's neuromuscular balance/gait re-education (CPT 97112 / LSVT BIG). Under Medicare Part A/B, homebound Parkinson's patients qualify for $0 copay intermittent skilled nursing and therapy.

Tier 1 Cash Spread
$63–$278
2026 Medicare Rate
$178.5
Negotiated Range
$18–$529
Add your insurance card to see YOUR priceCompare 14 Hospitals
Medicare-First Parkinson's Coverage Guide (Ages 60+ & SSDI)

Does Medicare Cover DBS, DaTscan, and Parkinson's Physical & Speech Therapy?

Over 90% of people living with Parkinson's disease in the United States are covered by Medicare (either at age 65+ or after 24 months of Social Security Disability Insurance). Here is what Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medi-Cal actually cover in 2026.

Dedicated Parkinson's Insurance Guide
1. Does Medicare Cover DBS Surgery? (CMS NCD 160.24)

Yes — Covered Under National Coverage Determination 160.24

Medicare Part A and Part B cover unilateral or bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation (thalamic VIM, STN, or GPi) when a patient meets CMS criteria:

  • Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (responsiveness to levodopa)
  • Hoehn & Yahr stage ≥ 2 while off medication, with disabling motor fluctuations, “wearing-off,” dyskinesias, or refractory tremor despite optimal drug therapy
  • No dementia or uncontrolled severe depression/contraindications to surgery
2. Does Medicare Cover DaTscan? (CPT 78803 + A9584)

Yes — Covered for Diagnostic Differentiation

Medicare Part B covers DaTscan (Ioflupane I-123 SPECT) when ordered by a neurologist to differentiate essential tremor or drug-induced tremor from presynaptic Parkinsonian syndromes (idiopathic PD, MSA, or PSP).

Watch out for Medicare Advantage prior auth: Original Medicare does not require prior authorization for DaTscan, whereas most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans require pre-certification proving clinical diagnostic uncertainty.
3. Parkinson's Physical, OT & Speech Therapy (LSVT BIG & LOUD)

No Hard Cap — Medically Necessary Continuation (KX Modifier)

Congress permanently repealed the hard Medicare therapy cap. In 2026, once combined Physical Therapy + Speech Therapy (incl. LSVT BIG & LSVT LOUD) reaches the $2,480 KX modifier threshold (and $2,480 separately for OT), your therapist simply attaches the KX modifier documenting medical necessity for Parkinson's (ICD-10 G20).

Under the Jimmo v. Sebelius settlement, Medicare MUST cover maintenance therapy to slow decline or prevent falls — even if symptoms are not expected to “improve.”

Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Care NeedOriginal Medicare (Part A & B) + Medigap Plan GMedicare Advantage (Part C HMO / PPO)
Access to Movement Disorder Centers (UCSF, Stanford)Open access to any Medicare-participating movement disorder specialist & DBS neurosurgeon nationwide without referrals.Restricted to plan network; HMO plans require PCP referrals and may exclude academic tertiary movement disorder centers.
DBS Surgery Out-of-Pocket Cost$0 out-of-pocket after the $257 annual Part B deductible (Medigap Plan G pays the $1,716 Part A deductible and all 20% Part B coinsurance).Requires formal prior authorization; inpatient copays ($300–$600/day) or 20% device/outpatient coinsurance up to the plan's Annual Out-of-Pocket Max ($4,500–$8,850).
LSVT BIG (PT) & LSVT LOUD (Speech) — 16-Visit Protocol$0 copay per session with Medigap; no prior authorization required.$20–$50 copay per session ($320–$800 for a 16-session LSVT course); often requires re-authorization after 6–12 visits.
CA “Birthday Rule” Switching RightsIn California, if you already have a Medigap policy, you have a 60-day window starting on your birthday each year to switch to any equal-or-lesser-benefit Medigap plan without medical underwriting. Moving from Medicare Advantage to Medigap outside guaranteed-issue windows generally requires underwriting.
Medicaid / Medi-Cal for Parkinson's Long-Term Care & IHSS

California Eliminated the Medi-Cal Asset Limit ($0 Asset Test in 2026)

Original Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care or daily in-home caregiving (help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, or medication reminders). Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) covers:

  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Pays a spouse, adult child, or hired caregiver for up to 283 hours/month of in-home assistance so a person with Parkinson's can remain safely at home.
  • No Asset Limit: California permanently eliminated the Medi-Cal asset test — your home, car, savings, and IRA/401(k) principal do not disqualify you; eligibility is based on monthly income (and Spousal Impoverishment protections allow a community spouse to retain up to $154,140+ in resources and $3,853.50/mo in income).
Check Medi-Cal & Long-Term Care Eligibility (60-Sec Screener)
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Plan (Interactive Checklist)Click to check off as you call

5 Exact Questions to Ask Member Services Before Scheduling Care

For Spouses, Partners & Adult Children Caregivers

Parkinson's Caregiver Guide: What to Track, What to Ask & Respite Support

Whether you are a spouse managing daily medication timing or an adult child researching specialists, DBS surgery, or home care for a parent, your observations between clinic visits are often the single most important clinical input a neurologist receives.

1. What to Track Before Every Visit

The 6-Point Parkinson's Symptom & Medication Log

  • “ON / OFF” Wearing-Off Windows: Note the exact minute each carbidopa-levodopa dose is taken, when it kicks in (“ON”), and when tremor, slowness, or stiffness returns before the next dose (“OFF”).
  • Dyskinesia vs. Tremor: Record a 20-second smartphone video of involuntary twisting/wriggling movements (usually peak-dose dyskinesia) vs. rhythmic shaking at rest (under-medicated tremor).
  • Freezing of Gait & Near-Falls: When do feet feel “glued to the floor” (doorways, turning in tight spaces, dual-tasking)?
  • Swallowing & Coughing: Any coughing when drinking thin liquids, clearing the throat after meals, or pills getting stuck?
  • Lightheadedness When Standing (nOH): Measure blood pressure lying down and 3 minutes after standing if dizziness occurs.
  • Sleep, Mood & Visual Hallucinations: Acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder), daytime sleepiness, apathy, or seeing shadows/people.
2. What to Ask the Neurologist

High-Impact Questions for the Appointment

  • “Should we be seen by a fellowship-trained Movement Disorder Specialist in addition to general neurology?”
  • “Can you write standing orders for a Parkinson's-specific Physical Therapy (LSVT BIG), Occupational Therapy (home fall audit), and Speech Therapy (LSVT LOUD) baseline evaluation?”
  • “How does protein in meals affect levodopa absorption, and should we space doses 30–60 minutes before meals?”
  • “At what point in motor fluctuations should we schedule a baseline Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or continuous subcutaneous levodopa pump evaluation — before the surgical window narrows?”
  • “Which hospital emergency medications (like haloperidol, metoclopramide, or prochlorperazine) are strictly contraindicated in Parkinson's because they block dopamine?”
3. Respite, IHSS & Long-Term Care Pointers

Verified Support for California & US Families

  • California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) & Family Caregiver Alliance (Bay Area): State-funded non-profits offering low/no-cost respite grants, legal/financial consultations, and Parkinson's family support groups (caregiver.org).
  • Medi-Cal In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Allows eligible patients to hire a family member or aide paid by the county (up to 283 hrs/month). Check eligibility here →
  • VA Aid & Attendance & Parkinson's PADRECC: Parkinson's is a presumptive service-connected condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange / tactical herbicides. The San Francisco VA hosts a national Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC).
  • Parkinson's Foundation Helpline: Free bilingual clinical & caregiver specialists at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Clinical Reference & Standard of Care (Restored CareHub Guide + NINDS / Parkinson's Foundation / MJFF)
Conservative patient education • Never replaces movement disorder specialist care
🧠 Standard of Care💊 Prescribed Medications🌿 Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies🔬 Clinical Trials

🧠 Standard of Care

Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment is highly individualized. Management typically involves a combination of prescription medications to manage motor symptoms and intensive lifestyle adjustments.

  • Movement Disorder Specialists: Care should ideally be overseen by a neurologist specializing in movement disorders.
  • Physical Exercise: Regular, intensive exercise (like Tai Chi, cycling, or boxing) is the only intervention strongly correlated with slowing physical decline.
  • Medication Timing: PD medications are "time-critical." Skipping or delaying doses can lead to severe physical freezing ("off" periods).

💊 Prescribed Medications

Most medications work to replenish or mimic dopamine in the brain.

Carbidopa-Levodopa

The gold standard. Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa prevents the premature breakdown of Levodopa in the bloodstream, severely reducing nausea side effects.

Dopamine Agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole)

These drugs directly mimic the effects of dopamine and are often used as an alternative or alongside Levodopa to smooth out "off" periods.

MAO-B & COMT Inhibitors

These medications prevent the enzymatic breakdown of naturally occurring dopamine or administered Levodopa, prolonging symptom relief.

🌿 Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies

Many patients explore OTC supplements, but evidence is heavily lacking.

  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) & Vitamin E: Frequently discussed for neuroprotection, but large-scale clinical trials have failed to prove efficacy.
  • Mucuna Pruriens: A natural source of Levodopa. However, it is unregulated, making precise dosing impossible.
CRITICAL WARNING: OTC supplements and herbal teas can have severe, unpredictable interactions with prescribed PD medications. You must report all supplements to your neurologist to avoid dangerous chemical interactions.

🔬 Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are constantly recruiting to find a cure and better management tools. Here are some currently recruiting trials derived directly from ClinicalTrials.gov:

  • NCT06977204 (C. Mondino Foundation): The MOVE-ON study investigating the role of physical activity on neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease.
  • NCT07226284 (University of Minnesota): A study evaluating the effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on intrinsic lower leg spinal motoneuron excitability and posture in Parkinson's Disease.
  • NCT07322887 (GEN Ilaç ve Sağlık Ürünleri A.Ş.): The SHEPHERD Phase 2 study assessing the effects of SUL-238 on high energy phosphates using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in patients with early, untreated Parkinson's Disease.
Where to look: You can find recruiting trials for PD via ClinicalTrials.gov or The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Fox Trial Finder.

❓ Patient FAQ

Q: Can Parkinson's disease be cured?
A: Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications can significantly relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Q: Is Parkinson's hereditary?
A: Most cases of Parkinson's are not directly inherited. However, having a first-degree relative with the disease slightly increases the risk, and specific genetic mutations (like LRRK2) are linked to a small percentage of cases.

Q: Why does my medication wear off before the next dose?
A: As the disease progresses, the brain's ability to store dopamine decreases. This causes the "wearing-off" phenomenon. Neurologists may adjust dosing frequency or add adjunct medications to smooth out these fluctuations.

🗺️ Next Steps After Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Parkinson's can be overwhelming. Here is a guided roadmap for your first 6 months:

  1. Build Your Team: Don't rely solely on a general practitioner. Seek out a Movement Disorder Specialist (a neurologist with additional training in PD), a physical therapist, and a speech-language pathologist.
  2. Start Moving Immediately: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Enroll in a PD-specific exercise program like Rock Steady Boxing or LSVT BIG. High-intensity exercise is neuroprotective.
  3. Organize Your Meds: Precision is everything. Use pill organizers and phone alarms to ensure you take your Carbidopa-Levodopa at the exact same times every day. Avoid taking it with high-protein meals, which block absorption.
  4. Explore Clinical Trials: Many promising therapies are only available through trials. Check our Clinical Trials Catalogue to see if you qualify for early-stage neuroprotective studies.
Patient & Caregiver Cost, Trial & Medicare FAQs

Key Questions: Parkinson's Clinical Trials Near Me, DBS Surgery Cost, DaTscan Cost & Medicare

How do I find recruiting Parkinson's clinical trials near me?

Use the Parkinson's Clinical Trials Near Me search tool above to filter 72 verified recruiting studies (and 580+ nationwide studies on ClinicalTrials.gov) by your city or ZIP code, distance radius (25–250 miles), study phase (Phase 1–4), and intervention type (oral/infusion drugs, Deep Brain Stimulation & focused ultrasound devices, AAV gene & stem-cell therapies, or exercise/speech rehabilitation). You can also cross-reference with the Michael J. Fox Foundation Trial Finder and NINDS ClinicalTrials.gov listings.

What is the DBS surgery cost (Deep Brain Stimulation) in the Bay Area?

Based on 2026 hospital Machine-Readable Files (45 CFR § 180.50) across 14 Bay Area hospitals, published commercial negotiated and self-pay rates for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery span $9,562 to $90,279 for outpatient pulse generator/lead procedures (CPT 61885/61867; 2026 CMS Medicare APC 5464 baseline: $24,865) and $58,004 to $467,890+ for full inpatient craniotomy with major device implant (MS-DRG 024; 2026 Medicare base rate: $36,420).

Does Medicare cover DBS surgery for Parkinson's disease?

Yes. Under CMS National Coverage Determination (NCD) 160.24, Medicare Part A and Part B cover unilateral or bilateral DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), globus pallidus interna (GPi), or thalamic VIM for patients with levodopa-responsive idiopathic Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr stage ≥ 2 off medication) who experience disabling motor fluctuations, wearing-off, or dyskinesias despite optimal pharmacotherapy and have no dementia or uncontrolled severe depression. With Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G, your out-of-pocket hospital and surgeon cost is $0 after the $257 annual Part B deductible.

What is the DaTscan cost with Medicare vs. hospital cash price?

A DaTscan (CPT 78803 SPECT + HCPCS A9584 Ioflupane I-123) has a 2026 CMS Medicare Hospital Outpatient (OPPS APC 5593) baseline rate of $1,308.45 ($0 out-of-pocket with Medigap Plan G; ~$262 coinsurance without Medigap). Across 14 Bay Area hospitals, published self-pay and negotiated rates range from $389 to $16,079.

What is the Parkinson's physical therapy cost (including LSVT BIG)?

In 2026, the CMS Medicare allowed rate for Parkinson's physical therapy is $35.91 per 15-minute unit of therapeutic exercise (CPT 97110), $41.31 per 15-minute unit of neuromuscular re-education (CPT 97112, the primary code for LSVT BIG), and $121.46 for an initial evaluation (CPT 97161). Published Bay Area hospital rates range from $16 to $336 per 15-minute unit. Medicare has no hard visit limit when your therapist includes the KX modifier above the $2,480 threshold for Parkinson's (ICD-10 G20).

More Neurology CareHub Guides

Flagship Parkinson's Disease Hub →Parkinson's Medicare & Insurance Guide →
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