InSoFast Cost per Square Foot

The InSoFast continuous insulation panels offer a one-step solution, known to be an alternative to the traditional multi-part insulation and framing methods contractors commonly use today, making it a great buy for the average DIY option and quicker installation process in comparison to the traditional methods of installation foam sheets and taping the joints to create an airtight assembly.

The entire system, as per the official website, is known to be a complete system for both moisture and thermal control for all exterior and interior applications.

InSoFast Cost per Square Foot
studs and views” (CC BY 2.0) by RBerteig

How much does InSoFast cost per square foot?

The cost of the InSoFast system depends on a few factors, including the retailer you purchase from, the scope of the job and the type of panels you’re looking to buy since the company does offer a variety of options.  According to the basement cost comparison guide on the official website, the cost of just the materials can range anywhere from $2 to $3 per square foot, with professional installation, if required, increasing the total average to about $4 to $6 per square foot.  Professional installation, again, will depend on a few factors such as the contractor you hire, the scope of the job and your geographical region.

FineHomeBuilding.com notes the system itself will retail for about 40% more than the cost of the plates, studs and foam needed to insulate and frame basement jobs; however, according to the method the author used, he noted you should be able to save slightly less in labor.

According to one member on this Houzz.com forum thread, she was quoted $1.68 a square foot, but the tax credit at the time decreased the price to $1.17 a square foot.

How does it work?

The InSoFast continuous insulation panels, sized 2-feet by 4-feet by 2 inches, have built-in polypropylene studs that allow you to fasten the panels to the wall panels using a construction-based adhesive, allowing anyone to finish a room without the use of any tools — just a utility knife.

Its universal insulation keeps a home cool in the summer months and warm in the winter months due to its 2 to 2.5-inch thickness, UX closed-cell, injection mold EPS foam body that’s able to achieve an R-8.5 insulation score.  Inside, the tightly fitting tongue-and-groove edges help plumb the finish to avoid the use of sealing tape and a body which prevents moisture from getting trapped from inside the walls.  These edges also interlock, allowing you to connect the panels on the ground and then lift them into place to adhere the panels to the wall.

InSoFast reviews

A few people on this Reddit.com thread talked about their experiences with the product, claiming it does work as advertised, noting it was an easy install, they liked the built-in electrical cable chases and the assembly itself helps you lose less square footage in comparison to traditional studs.  The problems, as per some of the responses, included the cost, with some noting it could cost more than studs depending on the job and due to the material of the product, you will not be able to mount a TV unless you modify the product since it cannot support more than the weight of the drywall.  Some also did not like the idea of applying the product directly to the concrete walls.

Ashley, via her blog post on TheTinyContainerHome.com, talked about the ease of the install process, the ordering and the final outcome.  You can view multiple pictures on her blog post to see the product in action.

Where to buy

The InSoFast continuous insulation panels are available via the official website or through special lumber suppliers such as Menards.

Tips to know

If you’re unsure you want to use this system or just curious as to how it works, the official website does offer the opportunity to order a sample panel for $20.  If you do feel the panels are right for your project, the company does note they will refund the price of your panel as long as you buy more than 160 square foot of materials.

The panels, aside from commonly being used in finished basement projects, can also be used to help insulate the concrete slabs beneath the flooring system.  Aside from this, the subfloor sheets can be placed on top of the panels and screwed into fastening strips to help create a floating insulated base for flooring options such as laminate flooring, carpet or wood, for example.

Indian Echo Caverns Cost

In the early 1900s, five boys entered a cave near Hummelstown, a small village in Pennsylvania, along the Swatara Creek in the Dutch Country of Pennsylvania and discovered what is now known as the Indian Echo Caverns.

Like most cavern entrances, according to UncoveringPA.com, it doesn’t appear to be interesting or beautiful, but as you continue through the tour, the real beauty starts to become obvious.

A natural underground attraction, visitors are able to see nature’s underground beauty, from various formations to the occasional bat.

Indian Echo Caverns Cost
Indian echo caverns” (CC BY 2.0) by Maguis & David

How much does it cost to get into Indian Echo Caverns?

The costs to enter the Indian Echo Caverns, as the official website at the time of this publishing, was $18.50 for adults, $17 seniors 62 and older, $12 for children 2-11, and children younger than 2 are free.  There is no charge for parking as per the official FAQ page.

Discounts and coupones are readily available, depending on the time of year, such as AAA discounts, and group/education deals.

What’s included in the fee?

With admission, they will assign you with a group number and when you hear your number, your tour will start.  Everyone will be assigned a tour guide and cannot explore the caverns alone.  Each tour, according to the website, is 45 minutes in length and is conducted via a professionally trained interpretive guide who will explain the history, geology and showcase the formations of the cavern.  All tours will start in the gift shop.

Hours

Tips to know

From time to time, the caverns does perform weddings at the wedding chapel, a narrow room inside of the North Passage of the cave.

In addition to the cavern tours, the property also has a playground, a smaller gem mining area for children and a petting zoo.

Due to the number of stairs, the caverns are not wheelchair accessible.

As per the FAQ, the temperature inside is 52 degrees.

One reviewer on this TripAdvisor.com thread recommended sweatshirts and good walking shoes.

Kenin Bassart via theConstantRambler.com uploaded multiple pictures of his visit.

How Much Does miraDry Cost?

miraDry is an FDA cleared and non-invasive treatment designed to help with excessive underarm sweating by using microwave energy to destroy sweat glands for good.

How much does miraDry cost?

The cost of miraDry greatly depends on the provider you use, your geographical location and how the office charges as some have setup packages with a flat price, whereas other offices may simply charge per session.  Regardless, from the costs we researched online, one session averages about $1,700 to $2,000, whereas a second treatment session, if needed, would be about half this, about $800 to $1,000.  In total, most people paid anywhere from $1,800 to $3,100 to see desirable results.

Since miraDry is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, your health insurance provider will not cover the procedure, even if you have a hyperhidrosis diagnosis.  However, as all policies greatly vary, check with your provider to know your limitations just to make sure.

According to Shareef Jandali, M.D. on this Realself.com Q&A thread, for example, claimed his practice would charge $1,800 for the first treatment and another $950 for the second treatment.  He also noted that most patients would only require one treatment to see the results they desire and the costs, even though they seem expensive at first, could pay off quite a bit in the future since the results are permanent.  Another doctor on this same thread stated only 20% of her patients needed a second treatment and her first treatment at her office would cost $1,950, with any subsequent treatments billed at $975 each.

The procedure

On the day of your treatment, like most cosmetic laser-based procedures, you will first be asked to sign a consent form and change into a gown.

Before the treatment begins, your nurse will first apply a numbing cream to the underarms to help minimize the discomfort, followed by multiple numbing shots about 30 minutes later, which is administered with a black marker via a specialized stencil that “fits” your underarm area to determine how many you need for the treatment.   Katie Chang, who described her experience, stated she received about two passes of 20 odd shots of lidocaine for each underarm or about 80 shots in total and was even told her area was “very small.”  Even though she stated her threshold for discomfort was high, she had to ask her nurse to stop several times to collect herself.

After the lidocaine injections complete, the miraDry quickly follows while you lay face up with your arms folded behind your head to help expose your underarms.  As the machine’s handpiece is pressed against the underarms, one pulse per placement site, lasting about 30 seconds each, allows light suction to help secure the small areas of the skin where the microwave heat is channeled to destroy the underarm sweat glands.  Each underarm, after the lidocaine injections complete, takes about 20 to 30 minutes per underarm or about one hour in total.

The total procedure, from start to finishes, averages close to two to two and a half hours.  Camille Harris on Bellatory.com talked about the procedure as well.

Aftercare

After, your underarms will be quite red and swollen and may feel as if there are golf balls in your underarms.  Your doctor will provide you with an aftercare sheet, noting that you should apply ice under each arm for the next 24 hours, along with 800 milligrams of ibuprofen every eight hours for the next day.  For most patients, after the 24 hours conclude, the underarms may still be puffy but the swelling generally resolves quickly and the sweating is noticeably reduced in a few weeks after the treatment completes.

miraDry side effects

Tips to know

Botox, another treatment considered for sweaty armpits, is quite different than miraDry since Botox will temporarily block the sweat glands for up to six months, whereas miraDry, as mentioned, will destroy the sweat glands for good.

miraDry is highly recommended for those with axillary hyperhidrosis, and according to Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, via this Bloomberg.com article, it’s when the sweating rules, not just affects, your life.  If you feel no prescription antiperspirants do not work and you’re changing shirts constantly due to the sogginess, then you may be an ideal candidate.  Talk with a dermatologist in your area who uses the technology to see if it could work for your situation.

How Much Does Exparel Cost?

Exparel, manufactured by Pacira Pharmaceuticals, is long-active, local anesthetic and is approved by the FDA for a single-dose infiltration into a surgical site to produce postsurgical analgesia.

According to Lewis Albert Andres, M.D., via this Q&A thread, it is delivered within a liposomes form, which is then discharged over a 72-hour period, with the injectable form lasting six hours.

This relatively new drug has helped reduce postoperative pain as well as the need for narcotics after a surgical procedure.

How much does Exparel cost?

The wholesale cost of a 20-mL single-use vial of Exparel is close to $300, but as for consumer pricing, the costs vary based on where you received the injections, the type of surgery, the amount of Exparel you need and your doctor/surgery center and how much they want to profit from it.

From the reports we did read online, the costs seemed to be inside of the $300 to $600+ range, with insurance coverage based upon the reasoning for the injections.  As with most insurance coverage, your coverage would greatly depend on the reasoning as most medical insurance companies will only cover your injections if deemed medically necessary.  To learn more about the Medicare and commercial insurance company, the official website, Exparel.com offers a guide as to how you may be able to have insurance cover it.

For example, one member on this Realself.com Q&A thread noted her doctor was charging $720 for Exparel and wanted to know if this was worth it, and according to the responses from multiple doctors, most of them said the prices could be higher if the surgery center marks up the drug, especially if the doctor is unable to bring in their own medication.

Dosage

As per the Pharmacy Times and the Exparel medication guide, Exparel is only intended to be used for a single-dose infiltration only, with the recommended dosage dependent upon the surgical site and the volume needed to cover the area.  The maximum dosage, regardless of the use, should not exceed 266 mg and always should be injected slowly into the nearby soft tissue of the surgical site with frequent aspiration to help minimize the risk of intravascular injection and to check the blood.

Exparel is directly injected into the area of your body where the surgery is being performed, only during the procedure.  This is the only time you will receive it and no follow-up doses will be required.

What is this medicine?

Exparel is an anesthetic designed to cause loss of a feeling either in the skin or tissues, according to the official website, the medication will help control your pain after surgery to allow for a good recovery.  The company also claims it is not a narcotic nor is it an opioid as it will work in your body where you had surgery, unlike opioids, which affect the entire body.

Used to prevent and help treat pain from multiple surgical procedures, the medicine can provide relief for general surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, oral surgery and breast surgery.  It can also be used for other surgeries that are not listed on the official website, with the company recommending that you talk with your doctor to see if the injections are good for your situation.

The medicine is intended as an injection in the affected area only and must be administered by a medical professional inside of either a hospital or clinic setting.

Exparel side effects

Source: Drugs.com

This is not a full list of side effects; refer to this FDA guide for reported side effects.  As always, talk with a medical professional immediately if the side effects are bothersome.

Tips to know

To find a surgeon in your area who uses Exparel, the company does offer an official search tool.

Birthmark Removal Cost

Birthmarks, or nevi, are often discreet, fading over time as you grow old; however, for some, birthmarks can often be unsightly, causing a concern for your self-esteem.

While most birthmarks are considered harmless, many dermatologists do recommend you get them inspected as some vascular birthmarks may be due to an underlying issue, especially if it’s bleeding or interferes with your normal activity.

Regardless of the reason for removal, birthmarks can be successfully removed, commonly with either a form of light therapy or laser treatment.

Birthmark Removal Cost
she wore her heart on her sleeve” (CC BY 2.0) by mil8

How much does it cost to remove a birthmark?

The costs to remove a birthmark will depend on a variety of factors, including the doctor you choose, your geographical region, the size of your birthmark and the type of the technology your doctor uses to remove the birthmark.  For most, regardless of which option your doctor does decide to use, be prepared to come back for multiple sessions as with any laser-based or light therapy, multiple trips are necessary for desirable results.

Based on these factors, most who did consider the laser treatment or light therapy options paid $250 to $550 per session, with most paying a grand total of $1,575 to $5,750 in total to see desirable results.  Again, with so many factors, your bill may be different than the next due to the factors mentioned prior, especially the size and the time needed for treatment.

As for a surgical excision, the costs could vary anywhere from $200 to $600 in total, again, depending on the size of the birthmark and if your doctor decided to use this method.

For those with health insurance, the coverage greatly depends on the reason for removal since most insurance companies will cover a vascular birthmark, such as a port wine stain or other hemangiomas, while most insurance companies will not cover a pigmented birthmark.  To be certain, however, talk with your health insurance company directly for more information as to what your coverage restrictions are.

According to Dr. Harold J. Kaplan via Realself.com, he stated the costs can depend on a number of factors, with one being whether or not the birthmark can actually be treated with a laser since some cannot be treated effectively.  The second issue, as mentioned prior, will be the type of laser your doctor decides to use, with the average price ranging anywhere from $200 to $600 per treatment.

How laser treatments work

Before laser technology was even considered, a doctor would use a scalpel or would sand down the area through dermabrasion, according to Bobby Buka, M.D; however, as the laser technology progressed in the medical world, they were considered to be a more effective, less intrusive and less painful process.

During the laser removal process, the laser produces short, intense bursts of a one-colored light that’s able to pass through the top layers of the skin membrane to eventually fragment the irregular pigment.  When performed on a pigmented birthmark, some of the pigment comes off in the form a crust, usually after the first treatment, while some of it is absorbed back into the skin.  As for vascular birthmarks, the lasers are able to clot the blood, seal it off and then eventually destroy it and allow the body to absorb it for a fresh new look.

Depending on your birthmark’s size, type and the coloration, your doctor will be able to determine how strong the laser should be and the number of treatments necessary to see desirable results.  Again, based on a doctor’s response above, a laser treatment may not be viable for all birthmarks, and since so many are unique, a dermatologist will always want to discuss your treatment plan before considering the removal options.

Additional options aside from the laser

Surgical excision:  This is considered to be the most direct method in removing a birthmark, and in doing so, your doctor will cut the birthmark out of your body.  Usually done on larger-than-average moles to ensure it’s completely removed, it can sometimes be done with larger and/or deep hemangiomas as well, according to Zwivel.com.  During this process, your doctor will first administer a local anesthetic, followed by removing the birthmark by using a scalpel.  Once removed, the area is stitched, but for larger incision, a balloon may be inserted beneath the skin to help stretch the surrounding skin as you heal to create a more natural look.

Beta-blockers:  Commonly used to treat issues related to the heart, beta-blockers can also help prevent blood from reaching a hemangioma, thereby halting its growth.  As the cells inside of the hemangioma eventually die, your skin can appear natural again.  This option isn’t considered all too often as it can come with quite a few side effects that many find hard to tolerate.

Two common types of birthmarks

A birthmark, by definition, is a benign irregularity that often shows up at birth or even a month after you’re born.  Occurring anywhere on the skin, close to 80 percent of babies have some sort of birthmark, and while most are harmless and can even go away on their own, others, even while harmless, can cause self-esteem issues or can become quite distracting.

There are two common types of birthmarks, one being vascular, which are considered hemangiomas, macular stains, or port wine stains and are a result of abnormal blood vessels, whereas the second common type, a pigmented birthmark, can include moles or café au lait marks and are due to pigmentation inconsistencies.

Tips to know

Many doctors will offer a package discount for those who purchase sessions in bulk.

How Much Does an Areola Reduction Cost?

Areola reduction surgery involves decreasing the size of the nipples or areolae via tiny incisions and by trimming the excess tissue surrounding the nipple to create an aesthetically balanced breast.

Most women and men who consider the surgery often do so because they feel their nipple to breast ratio is disproportionate and is recommended for patients who want to address particular nipple problems, include raised, puffy, abnormally textured, wider-than-average, droopy and/or protruding nipples, to name a few.

Even though the size of the areola is genetic, there are some cases when it can increase as the skin starts to sag and/or lose its elasticity as you age.

How much does an areola reduction cost?

The cost of areola reduction surgery will be based on a variety of factors, including the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesia, facility fees, your geographical location, the complexity of the surgery and the follow-up consultations needed after the surgery completes.  As with any surgery, many factors need to be considered, but as a general ballpark, be prepared to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 for the entire procedure if it’s performed in an outpatient setting.  Inside a hospital operating room, the costs can soar to more than 50 to 100% of this estimate.

As this is often deemed a cosmetic procedure 99 percent of the time, your health insurance policy will not cover the procedure unless it’s deemed medically necessary due to an accident, etc.

According to a few doctors on this Realself.com Q&A thread, one doctor stated you will have a problem finding an average price, but if it’s done inside of a doctor’s office, then the price could be in the $1,500 to $2,500 range; however, if you choose the operating room, then you will want to add another $1,000 to $1,500 to the price.  Another doctor via this same thread stated you shouldn’t have to spend more than $2,000 for the entire procedure.

What to expect

Most procedures are commonly performed inside an outpatient setting under a local anesthesia, with most patients able to go home about after the anesthetic wears off.

During the procedure, an incision is made around the nipple, with a portion of the darkly pigmented area of the areola removed, followed by closing the incision, generally with dissolvable sutures.

Once the surgery completes, patients will be able to visibly see a great difference in the size and shape.

From start to finish, the entire procedure will take anywhere from one to two hours to complete.

Following the surgery, you will be asked to wear a support bra for up to three weeks and a follow-up visit is required about one week later.  Generally, after about one week, you should be able to resume normal activities, including taking a shower.  During this time, your doctor will also ask you to use ice to help reduce the swelling, avoid lifting any heavy objects as well as avoid bending over or reaching over your head until given the go ahead.

It will usually take a few weeks to see the results as the breasts settle into their final natural position.  A ring-shaped scar may be noticeable, even after a few weeks, but this often disappears about a year later.

Possible risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, risks and complications can exist, including:

Source:  Costhetics

Who is a candidate?

The perfect candidate, as per Healthline.com, is generally for any man or woman who is simply unhappy with the look and shape of their nipples.  The procedure, in general, often works great for those who lost a significant amount of weight or for those whose areolas changed after breastfeeding or a pregnancy.

Aside from these candidates, additional candidates may include those with puffy or protruding areolas or even those with asymmetrical areolas.

Regardless of the candidate, doctors will always ask a patient to wait until the breasts are mature, usually in the late teens or early 20’s.

Tips to know

When choosing a surgeon, always make sure you choose one who is board certified and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  These surgeons are grasped to a higher standard than cosmetic surgeons, with board-certified surgeons requiring a minimum of six years in surgical training, three of which should be in plastic surgery.  Aside from checking out the physician’s credentials, be sure to check out the portfolio to see his or her past work to make sure these are the results you are looking for in a surgery.

How Much Does a HydraFacial Cost?

A HydraFacial, sometimes referred to as HydraFacial MD, is a non-evasive, non-abrasive, non-laser cosmetic procedure designed to clean, extract and deposit serums into the skin.

Sometimes referred to as a hydradermabrasion, the treatment uses a vacuum-like machine to suck up the dry skin and help extract the clogged pores.  Once the top layer is then exfoliated, the hydrating serums are used, often customized to each individual.

The HydraFacial treatment is commonly recommended for dry skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles.

How much does a HydraFacial cost?

The cost of HydraFacial treatments will greatly depend on which professional you use, your geographical region, the reason for the treatments, the length of the session and how many treatments you will need to see desired results as most people will need more than one session to see improvements in their skin.  The average price per session, as noted by multiple customers who bought sessions in the past, were in the $125 to $330+ per session range, with the average patient needing anywhere from six to 12 sessions to see results.  In most cases, if you purchased sessions in bulk, many professionals may give you a discount.

Additional add-ons, ranging anywhere from $25 to $60 each can be added to the sessions as well but are considered to be completely optional.  We will talk about this in our next section.

Kelly at theCentsibleLife.com, for instance, was quoted $195 for a 30-minute session to as much as $350 for a 90-minute session, and according to her esthetician, the HydraFacial treatments are often performed as packages of six or 12.

Kim at BeautyBlackbook.com also talked about her experience with the HydraFacial treatment, claiming she paid $150, but this didn’t include the $40 tip.  After the session was done, she noted it wasn’t as effective as IPL and saw no change in her hyperpigmentation, but she did recommend it for those who wanted no downtime or didn’t want the discomfort of related treatment options.

Dr. Lawrence Broder, via this Realself.com Q&A, said his office will charge $149, but add-ons are available for an additional $25 to $40 each, depending on what you need.

Optional add-ons to consider

Britenol boost:  Recommended to help reduce dark spots, target sun damage and even out your complexion.

Dermabuilder:  Can help decrease the signs of aging by adding acetyl octapeptide-3 and other related skin conditioning peptides.

Growth factor boost:  Additional antioxidants are added to the treatment and is recommended for those who suffer from fine lines and wrinkles.

LED light therapy:  This add-on can help reduce acne, bacteria and inflammation.

Manual pore extraction:  An add-on often recommended for those who have excessive clogged pores.

What is a HydraFacial?

To HydraFacial is performed via a machine known as the HydraFacial MD by Edge Systems.  This multi-step system using its patented 4-in-1 Vortex Technology™ will help cleanse, exfoliate and extract dead cells from the skin and will then rejuvenate the skin by injecting a serum that’s infused with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides.

During the treatment, the machine uses a unique, spiral suction tip that is able to dislodge impurities and deliver the serum deep within your skin’s pore by opening them up.  The entire process can be done in an outpatient setting and is considered to be painless, with very little downtime.  While some people may note some redness and/or tightness on their skin, it often subsides a few hours after the treatment commences.

The procedure – what to expect

All HydraFacial sessions are broken up into four sessions as part of the company’s patented 4-in-1 Vortex Technology™ explained below:

Exfoliation

The first step starts with the cleaning and exfoliating the pores by using the blue tip of the device, a step which feels as if a gentle toothbrush was smoothing away dead skin or makeup.

Acid peel

The next step, using a gentle glycolic/salicylic acid solution, will help cleanse your pores, helping reduce acne formation as well as loosen up any deeper dirt, sebum and dead skin from the pores.  At this time, a Glysal™ serum is infused into the skin, with physician’s offering a medical grade acid, as high as 30%, while spas can only do a 7%, according to theBaltimoreCenter.com.

Extraction

After loosening up the debris, your technician will then use a vacuum-like device that’s designed to suck out any oil, dead skin, dirt, blackheads or any impurities in general.  This device, which is shaped like a clear cup attached to a nozzle, will collect everything, allowing you to see exactly what came from your face during the treatment.

Serum application

Lastly, depending on your goals and desired results, a serum, containing antioxidants, moisturizers and a mixture of vitamins via a vortex-infusion tip, is infused, enhancing your results.

HydraFacial side effects

Since the treatment doesn’t use laser technology, it will not vaporize the skin cells, therefore, inflammation and/or crusting often isn’t a concern, according to theDermReview.com.  However, as with any treatments, side effects can occur, with the most commonly reported side effects including skin irritation or redness, but for most, this often subsides within a day or so.

HydraFacial vs microdermabrasion

Both procedures are considered to be non-invasive and can target many of the common problems patients often consider the treatment for such as dead skin cells, fine lines and enlarged pores; however, the key difference here, according to the Baltimore Center, will be the gentle touch since the HydraFacial treatment session will be much gentler than a microdermabrasion.  Since a microdermabrasion uses small crystals or an abrasive tip, more patients do report more redness, sensitivity or discomfort in general after the procedure.

Aside from this, HydraFacials have the ability to customize each procedure as per the patient’s desired results, far exceeding a microdermabrasion.

As a perk for a microdermabrasion, however, will be the price, seeing the average microdermabrasion treatment can cost as little as $75, while a HydraFacial treatment can cost two to three times this.

Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding Cost

The Hummingbird Nest Ranch, located about 30 minutes from Los Angeles, California in the Santa Susana Mountains, sits on 126 acres, offering multiple outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions for your future wedding.

Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding Cost
married” (CC BY 2.0) by jasonrjonas

The cost to have a wedding at Hummingbird Nest Ranch

The wedding venue, when reached out anonymously, was very vague with their answers, claiming that the pricing starts close to $10,000, a price that’s confirmed by many third-party sources, including WomanGettingMarried.com.  Like most wedding venues, the costs to get married at Hummingbird Nest Ranch will depend on the time of year you’re getting married, the day of the week, your guest count and the location within the venue you’re interested in as they do offer multiple options.

As the venue does offer multiple options, we broke down the rental fees through third-party couples who did receive quotes in the past.  Use these estimates as just that — an estimate and remember, catering and additional fees will be an extra cost to consider.

Lawn by the Lake - seats 500- Friday or Sunday: $7,000 or $5,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $9,000 or $7,000 with a preferred caterer
Sitting Bull Exterior - seats 300- Friday or Sunday: $7,000 or $5,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $9,000 or $7,000 with a preferred caterer
Two above combined- Friday or Sunday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
Barn - seats 200- Friday or Sunday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $9,000 or $7,000 with a preferred caterer
Barn and Lawn by the Lake Combined- Friday or Sunday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $11,000 or $9,000 with a preferred caterer
The Villa Exteriors - seats 300- Friday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $11,000 or $9,000 with a preferred caterer
- Sunday: $8,000 or $6,000 with a preferred caterer
Grand Prix Lawn - seats 1000- Friday or Sunday: $9,000 or $7,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $11,000 or $9,000 with a preferred caterer
Villa and Grand Prix Lawn Combined- Friday or Sunday: $10,000 or $8,000 with a preferred caterer
- Saturday: $13,000 or $11,000 with a preferred caterer

The additional costs to consider

Catering:  You are allowed to bring in a caterer from a preferred list, which, as mentioned in the table above can offer a discount, but you can bring your own caterer as well as long as you’re approved by the venue.  If you were to go this route, couples do mention you will have to pay an additional fee.  According to one reviewer on their Yelp review page, this appears to be an additional $200 to $1,000 per vendor.  The price for your caterer will greatly depend on the caterer you choose and the menu, with the average rates greatly ranging anywhere from $50 to $125+ per head.

Alcohol:  It appears you are allowed to bring in your own beer, champagne and liquor, but for wine, you must use  Kieu Hoang if you want to avoid the corkage fee, which is in the $20 per bottle range.

Security:  Security is required, and for every 100 guests, you will need to have one guard, with a minimum of two guards required for all events.  The costs seem to start at $40+ an hour per guard.

Valet parking:  Valet is based on the number of guests and your wedding setup, and prior to the guests arriving, parking management is required for all vendor load-in and arrivals, which is said to cost $600 alone.  As for valet, one attendant is needed for every 10 cars, plus a manager and two doormen, all combined at $30+ an hour.

Additional items:  According to WomanGettingMarried.com, the venue does require you bring in all tables, chairs, linens, silverware, a dance floor, AV equipment and a satellite kitchen, all of which can greatly vary depending on the type of items you plan on bringing to the event.

Tips to know

It appears that all outside vendors, with the exception of security and valet parking, are allowed.  However, as you note from the pricing above, you can receive a discount if you choose the venue’s preferred caterers.

Events need to conclude at 2 a.m.

Some reports note that more than one wedding can be held on the same day, but as a plus, these parties are often held on opposite sides of the venue.  Seeing the ranch offers more than 100 acres, the chances of the other party intervening is slim.

Tour of the venue

CVS TB Test Cost

The Minute Clinic, located inside of most CVS locations, offers a variety of health-related services, including tuberculosis testing, commonly referred to as a TB test.

To see if your local CVS offers a Minute Clinic, refer to the official Minute Clinic search tool.

CVS TB Test Cost
CVS Pharmacy now at Target, 6/2016, pics” (CC BY 2.0) by JeepersMedia

How much does a TB skin test cost at CVS?

A TB skin test, according to the official CVS Minute Clinic price sheet will cost $35 for the initial test and another $30 for the reading 48 to 72 hours later, bringing the grand total to $65 without any health insurance coverage.  However, according to the company’s TB test page, they do claim insurance is not accepted for this service and payment will be due at the time of your visit.

The TB test – what happens?

Before your test, the practitioner on site will first want to explore your medical history and verify if you’re eligible for the test at the clinic.  In some cases, if you have a compromised immune system, history of an adverse reaction to a TB test, a positive skin test in the past and/or measles, mumps, influenza and/or chicken pox in the past month, then the clinic will more than likely direct you to another provider.

If your practitioner deems you eligible for the test, then a small amount of tuberculin is injected beneath the skin, usually the forearm and will be the first part of the TB test.  As per Healthline.com, tuberculin is a sterile extract purified protein derivative which is made from a bacteria that can cause TB.  After you receive the injection, a tiny, pale colored bump will form at the injection site and you will be sent home, asked to come back 48 to 72 hours later.

During your second visit, 48 to 72 hours later, the injection should start to swell, harden and start to turn red and to interpret the results, your practitioner will pay close attention to the size of the bump, referred to as an induration in the medical world.  Based on the size, which we explain in the results below, will determine your positive/negative result.

The results

According to the CDC, any induration larger than 15 millimeters is considered a positive result for any patient, while an induration of 10 or more millimeters is only considered positive for recent immigrants coming from a high-prevalence countries, recent drug users, residents/employees of a high-risk congregate setting, patients with clinical conditions which place them at a higher risk, children younger than four years old or anyone exposed to adults in the high-risk categories.

As for an induration of 5 or more millimeters, the CDC states it will be considered a positive result for HIV-infected patients, a recent contact with someone who did have TB, a patient with fibrotic changes on chest radiograph consistent with prior TB, those with an organ transplant or patients who are  immunosuppressed for other reasons.

Some patients, however, may react to TST and can be considered a false positive in some cases.

Tips to know

No appointment is necessary for a TB test at your local CVS.

Failing to come back for your test within 72 hours will often require you to re-take the test again.

How Much Does Humira Cost?

Humira, said to be the best-selling prescription drug in the world, is used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis and also said to help treat Chron’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, ulcerative colitis, and uveitis.

In 2015, the drug generated $14 billion in sales for Abbvie.

Humira Cost
IMG_6417-Edit-Edit_LowRes” (CC BY 2.0) by bbryda13

How much does Humira cost?

The cost of Humira, as with most prescriptions, will greatly depend on the number of pens prescribed, your health insurance policy and the pharmacy you choose.  Based on our research, the costs of two pens tend to be in the $5,500 range without any insurance to as much as $16,000+ for six pens, effectively making each pen about $2,750 each without any discounts and/or health insurance coverage.   Humira is available in two forms:  either as a pen or as a prefilled syringe and the costs of each are similar.

(2) 40 MG/0.8 ML Syringes or Pens$5,500
(4) 40 MG/0.8 ML Syringes or Pens$10,900
(6) 40 MG/0.8 ML Syringes or Pens$16,300

As for health insurance, almost all health insurance policies, including 98% of all Medicare policies will cover this drug, with the average co-pay reported to be in the $1,000 to $5,000 range, according to GoodRx.com.  As all health insurances policies are so different, check with your provider or if they have it, the online drug database, to see what you would be responsible for if you were to use your health insurance policy.

The New York Times found the drug went from $19,000 a year to more than $38,000 a year in 2018 per patient, even after rebates.

How to save on Humira

Co-pay card:  The official manufacturer of the drug, AbbVie, does offer a Humira Co-Pay Savings Card, a card which can help you pay as little as $5 per fill; however, as with many co-pay cards that are offered by the manufacturer, you may be limited to as to how often you can use it throughout the year.  At the time of this publishing, the card is only available for commercially insured patients only.

Patient assistance program:  Aside from the co-pay savings card, AbbVie also offers the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation, a foundation which can help you receive the medication for up to 12 months if you are approved for the medication.  Even after your 12 months expire, the company does claim you can reapply as well, technically extending the program yet another year.  According to the restrictions, the assistance program is open to those on restricted incomes and for those who do not have an insurance policy; however, if you do have insurance, including Medicare, you may be eligible.  The company asks that you follow the link above to apply or call 1-800-222-6885 for more information.

Additional assistance programs:  Aside from the typical federal and state assistance programs, there are plenty of non-profit organizations out there that want to help you with specific medications, including Humira.  The PAN Foundation, for example, both offer assistance for this particular drug for patients who meet qualification requirements.  To take advantage of the program, for instance, patients will have to have insurance, a valid prescription and must be diagnosed with a specific disease to qualify.  If you think you qualify, be sure to fill out as many of these forms as possible to see if you can receive financial assistance.  Aside from the PAN Foundation, another organization, the Good Days Patient Assistance Program, may be able to help you out financially as well.

Humira overview

Humira, known as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or anti-TNF drug, can help reduce the inflammation and the progression of inflammatory conditions by targeting TNF, which is a natural substance created by the immune system, which often causes inflammation in the body.

The adalimumab injection can be used to treat symptoms and help prevent the progression of ankylosing spondylitis and active rheumatoid arthritis.  It can also be used in children older than two years old who suffer from juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  It can also be prescribed for treating psoriatic arthritis, active Crohn’s disease, severe ulcerative colitis,  chronic plaque psoriasis and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.  The medicine is only available via prescription only.

The medication is always administered as an injection beneath the skin and before you’re given a prescription, your doctor or nurse will show you how to successfully administer it at home as well which areas of the body you should use when injecting.  The medication will come with a medication and guide and it’s extremely important to follow all of your doctor’s orders, never taking more, less or stopping without your doctor’s consent.

Humira side effects

This is not a full list of side effects; for more information in regards to more side effects you may feel, we encourage you to read this FDA guide.  As always, if you experience any side effects you’re uncomfortable with, talk with a medical professional immediately.

Tips to know

In 2002, the FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The patent for the drug did expire in 2016, but no manufacturer, as of yet, has a generic on pharmacy shelves.  While clinical trials are currently undergoing, according to EverydayHealth.com, for now, the brand name is the only option.

Humira does carry a black box warning as it can affect your immune system and your body’s ability to fight infections.  Some people have also developed life-threatening infections, including tuberculosis.  For this reason, your doctor will test you for tuberculosis before you start the injections as well as monitor you for any signs of TB as you continue to use the drug.  Taking Humira or any related TNF blockers can also increase your chances of certain cancers, including squamous cell skin cancer and basal cell.

 

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