Frequently asked questions
Sponsored care programs are a way that companies advance science and research by paying for patient care in exchange for having access to information related to the patient’s response to the treatment. The medical care received is very comprehensive. No approvals have to go through insurance for sponsored care programs. In addition, the sponsors want to make sure you are and remain healthy and well throughout the sponsored care program.
Is Sponsored Care “experimental”?
Esperanza Clinical’s blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms, lab draw kits, and other monitoring scales are the same as those in your physician’s office. The only thing that is ‘experimental’ is your access to the latest advancements in treatment that are being investigated; all the other care is the same as your regular doctor’s office.
A sponsored care program is sometimes referred to as a ‘clinical trial’ and is a voluntary medical research study. In the case of Esperanza Clinical, all of the sponsored care programs offered are testing novel treatments (called investigational products) made by those sponsoring the care we provide. In the United States, companies are not permitted to evaluate whether their own treatments are safe and effective, so a neutral third-party, such as Esperanza Clinical, must handle all aspects of the research by providing sponsored medical care in exchange for access to the data for regulatory purposes [e.g., review and approval by regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), or Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA)].
There are four phases of clinical research performed in humans: Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV. An investigational product must successfully pass through one phase in order to be approved for the next. Esperanza Clinical conducts mostly Phase II and III programs, but will occasionally also participate in Phase I and Phase IV studies. In brief, Phase I studies are designed to test whether a drug is safe. Phase II studies are designed to test the efficacy of a drug. Phase III studies are designed to confirm the positive results about the safety and efficacy of a drug among a much larger group of people.
Generally, when two Phase III studies reveal positive results for a drug, it may be submitted for approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Phase IV studies are performed after the FDA has approved a drug, and these studies are designed to collect additional information about a drug beyond basic safety and efficacy information.
Participating in a sponsored care program is free. Every patient in our sponsored care programs receives free medical care, which typically includes a medical, clinical and/or, and cognitive examination, as well as comprehensive laboratory workup (e.g., blood draw and analysis), and sometimes neuroimaging. Patients may be compensated for their time, travel, and inconvenience with the exact amount varying in each sponsored care program.
Participating in sponsored care programs offers many opportunities and benefits. You receive access to cutting-edge treatments, comprehensive medical care, and procedures such as brain imaging and genetic testing, all at no cost to you. As a patient, you also contribute to advancing medical research and potentially helping others with similar conditions.
Medical information: Every patient in our sponsored care programs typically at minimum receives a medical, clinical, and/or cognitive examination, as well as comprehensive laboratory workup (e.g., blood draw and analysis), and sometimes neuroimaging.
Compensation: Participating in a sponsored care program is free! Patients are typically compensated $25 to $150 per visit for their time, travel and inconvenience, with the exact amount varying by each program.
Altruism: Your participation in a sponsored care program will make a difference in the fields of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease. The results of these sponsored care programs will hopefully provide doctors with a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and patients with additional novel safe and effective treatments.
No, you do not need health insurance to participate. If you do have health insurance, they will not be billed, nor will they be contacted or provided any information about you without your expressed written consent.
Each sponsored care program has different requirements that patients must meet in order to qualify. Call us and a specialist from Esperanza Clinical will provide you more information and answer your questions.
Sponsored care programs are completely voluntary. You may decide you no longer want to participate at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
Yes, our office is easily accessible by public transportation. You can also call us at any time at (951) 417-4466 to discuss potential complimentary transportation options for your appointment. You are also free to drive to our clinic or arrange your own transportation.
Our address is 25220 Hancock Ave, Suite 250, Murrieta, CA 92562.