Quick Answers
Duocal is a nutritional supplement made by Nutricia North America. The cost of Duocal can vary depending on the size and quantity purchased. Some key points about the cost of Duocal:
– A single 237g can of Duocal powder typically costs around $25-$35.
– Larger quantities with multiple cans are usually cheaper per can. A case of 6 cans may cost around $120-$180 total.
– Duocal scoops come in various sizes like 15g, 20g, or 30g. The number of servings per can depends on scoop size.
– With a 20g scoop size, a 237g can contains about 12 servings. So each serving costs around $2-$3.
– Prices may be lower when purchased with insurance coverage or through specialty pharmacies.
– Overall the cost ranges from about $1.50-$3.50 per serving depending on quantity and source.
What is Duocal?
Duocal is a nutritional supplement drink mix designed for people who need extra calories and protein. It can be used as a medical food for conditions like cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, and wound healing.
Some key facts about Duocal:
– It comes in a powder form that can be mixed with water or other liquids.
– It provides a balanced nutrition profile with protein, carbohydrates, fat, and key vitamins/minerals.
– The main protein source is casein protein. This digests slower than whey protein.
– Duocal contains MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil as a fat source.
– It is lactose-free, gluten-free, and kosher. Suitable for many dietary needs.
– Available in various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and unflavored.
– Comes in single 237g cans or 6-can cases. Scoop sizes vary like 15g, 20g, or 30g.
– Manufactured by Nutricia North America, a major producer of nutritional supplements.
So in summary, Duocal is a nutritionally dense supplement drink designed for individuals needing extra calories and proteins. It aims to help patients maintain or gain weight and strength.
Duocal Nutrition Facts
Here are some key nutrition facts about a single serving of Duocal powder:
With a 15g Scoop Size
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fat: 5g
With a 20g Scoop Size
– Calories: 200
– Protein: 13g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fat: 7g
With a 30g Scoop Size
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 10g
So a serving provides 150-300 calories depending on scoop size. Plus a balanced macronutrient profile with protein, carbs, and fat.
Duocal also contains at least 25 different vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K. It provides minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Having all these nutrients in one supplement makes it easier for patients with increased needs to meet daily intake recommendations. The drink mix format also provides a portable and convenient way to get balanced nutrition.
How is Duocal Used?
Duocal powder is used by mixing with water, juice, milk, or other liquids. It can be taken orally or used as an ingredient in foods or recipes. Here are some common ways Duocal is consumed:
As a Drink
– Mix scoops of Duocal with 6-8 ounces of water, juice, milk, or other beverages. Shake or blend to dissolve powder.
– Can be taken multiple times per day with meals or snacks.
– Often taken 2-3 times per day to help meet calorie and protein goals.
With Soft Foods
– Mix with applesauce, yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc.
– Adds extra nutrition to the foods without changing taste or texture.
In Recipes
– Add Duocal when baking foods like muffins, pancakes, breads.
– Use in milkshakes, smoothies, protein shakes.
– Mix into soups, casseroles, sauces to boost calories.
Through a Feeding Tube
– For patients unable to take Duocal orally, it can be administered through a feeding tube.
– Must be mixed with water first to a liquid consistency.
– Healthcare providers will advise on proper feeding tube administration.
So Duocal is very versatile and can be easily incorporated into drinks, foods, or tube feeding regimens. This makes it simpler to meet higher calorie and protein needs.
Typical Serving Sizes
The number of servings needed per day depends on an individual’s nutritional requirements. Here are some general guidelines on Duocal serving sizes:
– 1-2 servings per day – For nutrition supplementation and preventing weight loss.
– 2-4 servings per day – For individuals with increased needs trying to maintain weight.
– 4-6 servings per day – For patients needing significant weight gain or wound healing.
– May be taken up to 6 times per day – For severe nutritional deficiency and rapid weight gain.
For example, a 140 pound woman needing about 2000 calories daily may take 2-3 servings mixed with beverages over the day. An underweight 180 pound man needing 3000 calories for weight gain may consume 4-5 servings.
Healthcare providers determine appropriate serving recommendations after assessing someone’s weight, diagnosis, diet, and nutritional goals. The number of servings can be adjusted over time to meet changing needs.
Cost Per Serving
The cost per serving of Duocal depends largely on:
– Scoop size – Smaller scoops means more servings per container.
– Quantity purchased – Buying larger quantities brings down the price per unit.
– Source – Purchasing through pharmacies, insurance, or wholesale can lower costs.
Here is an overview of the approximate cost per serving:
15g Scoop
– Single can: $2.50 – $3.50 per serving
– Case of 6 cans: $1.75 – $2.50 per serving
20g Scoop
– Single can: $2.00 – $3.00 per serving
– Case of 6 cans: $1.50 – $2.25 per serving
30g Scoop
– Single can: $1.75 – $2.50 per serving
– Case of 6 cans: $1.25 – $1.75 per serving
As shown, buying larger quantities and bigger scoop sizes generally provides the lowest cost per serving. Purchasing through insurance, specialty pharmacies, or with manufacturer discounts can also reduce the price.
Overall the per serving cost ranges from about $1.25-$3.50 depending on individual factors. Consuming 2-3 servings daily may cost $2.50-$10 per day. Larger amounts can get more expensive but may still be covered by insurance depending on the medical diagnosis.
How Much Does Duocal Cost?
The total cost for Duocal depends on:
– Container size – Single 237g can vs. a case of 6 cans
– Scoop size – 15g, 20g, or 30g
– Number of servings needed per day
– Where it’s purchased – Pharmacy, insurance, specialty supplier
Some examples of total monthly costs:
2 Servings Per Day
– 15g scoop: $50-$105 per month
– 20g scoop: $60-$90 per month
– 30g scoop: $75-$125 per month
4 Servings Per Day
– 15g scoop: $100-$210 per month
– 20g scoop: $120-$180 per month
– 30g scoop: $150-$250 per month
6 Servings Per Day
– 15g scoop: $150-$315 per month
– 20g scoop: $180-$270 per month
– 30g scoop: $225-$375 per month
So on average, expect to spend about $100-$300 per month depending on individual dosage requirements. Larger quantities with bigger scoops provide the most value overall.
Does Insurance Cover Duocal?
Duocal may be covered by health insurance depending on the policy and the patient’s medical condition. Here are some key points on insurance coverage:
– Duocal is classified as a medical food, not a nutritional supplement. This makes insurance coverage possible with a doctor’s prescription.
– Insurers like Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans may cover Duocal for diagnoses like cancer, kidney disease, COPD, and more.
– Coverage varies by plan. Preauthorization and letters of medical necessity from doctors are often required.
– Even with insurance, there may still be copays or coinsurance costs for the patient.
– Uninsured patients can apply for assistance programs offered by the manufacturer Nutricia.
– Purchasing Duocal through pharmacies within an insurance network can help lower costs for patients.
Overall coverage of Duocal depends on the individual plan and situation. Having a doctor verify medical need improves the chances of getting Duocal approved by insurance. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Where to Buy Duocal
Duocal can be purchased from:
Medical Supply Retailers
– Specialty pharmacies and medical supply stores often carry Duocal.
– This allows use of insurance coverage to lower costs.
– Offer convenient pickup or delivery options.
Online Stores
– Many online medical supply websites sell Duocal powder.
– Often cheaper than local retail pricing.
– Limited insurance benefits when paying out-of-pocket online.
Nutricia Directly
– The manufacturer Nutricia sells Duocal through their website.
– Offers patient assistance programs for those who qualify.
– Can enroll in auto-delivery subscriptions for convenience.
Finding an in-network pharmacy or specialty supplier is best for maximizing insurance coverage. Uninsured patients can shop around online or apply for financial assistance options.
Other Ways to Reduce Duocal Costs
Some other tips to lower the costs of Duocal include:
– Purchase larger quantity cases to get bulk pricing discounts.
– Enroll in auto-delivery subscriptions to get regular shipments.
– Consider alternate scoop sizes – Larger scoops mean lower cost per gram.
– Apply for copay or patient assistance programs if uninsured.
– Use websites like GoodRx.com to find discounts and coupons for Duocal.
– Ask doctors for samples or switch to generic versions if available.
– Submit claims and appeal denials if insurance does not approve Duocal.
– Shop around pharmacies to compare pricing and find lowest cost provider.
Using insurance coverage for Duocal provides the greatest savings in most cases. But even without insurance, there are ways to reduce costs through buying in bulk, manufacturer coupons, and other discount programs.
Conclusion
The cost for a can of Duocal nutritional supplement powder ranges from about $25-$35 retail. A single serving using a 15-30g scoop is approximately $1.50-$3.50 depending on quantity purchased.
Factors like scoop size, dosage, insurance coverage, and source all impact the final price. Total monthly costs can be $100-$300+ based on individual dosage requirements.
Checking insurance benefits and shopping around pharmacies can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Buying larger quantities, using assistance programs, and considering alternate scoop sizes also lowers the overall cost per serving for Duocal.
