Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have hyperhidrosis?
Do your hands drip with sweat? Are your socks always soaked? Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes abnormal sweating not related to exercise or another underlying condition. While it can affect different areas of the body, the most common cases involve the hands, feet, and/or underarms. Besides being a physical medical condition, hyperhidrosis can often cause social anxiety and occupational difficulties that severly limit an individual’s quality of life. Our Treatment Specialists can share some truly inspiring success stories of people – both young and old – whose lives have been changed after discovering our iontophoresis device.
What is iontophoresis?
Iontophoresis is an at-home treatment for managing sweat from hyperhidrosis. The treatment introduces ions into the body through the skin by applying a mild electric current. For hyperhidrosis patients, iontophoresis uses the natural minerals found in tap water to “plug” the sweat pores, creating a long-lasting dryness barrier.
Treatment session times vary between 15 – 20-minutes. On average, patients see significantly drier results within 2-weeks.
Iontophoresis has been clinically-proven to reduce sweat since the 1950s. Modern studies by Dr. Fred Levit and Dr. Lewis P. Stolman have continued to demonstrate the efficacy of iontophoresis for treating hyperhidrosis.
Interested in learning more? Ask one of our Treatment Specialists to provide you with a clinical case study.
Do you require a prescription?
Yes, because we are an FDA-Cleared medical device, all sales within the United States must be accompanied by a prescription. If you live outside of the U.S., you can order online or over the phone without needing a doctor’s prescription.
What does the treatment feel like?
Patients report feeling a tingling sensation during treatments. Occasionally, some users have described the feeling as having a “pins and needles” sensation – like your hands/feet are falling asleep. Nothing you can’t endure for 15-20 minutes while you watch your favorite show on TV! The most important thing is to treat at a power level that is comfortable for you. Iontophoresis should never be painful.
How much does The Fischer cost?
Pricing depends on your insurance coverage, deductibles, and co-pays. Have one of our Treatment Specialists check your insurance benefits to review your options. We also offer 3, 6, and 12 month payment plans for those who need time to cover any remaining patient responsibilities.
How do I order?
Referring doctors can submit paperwork orders via fax at (818) 775-2941, or to our secure inbox at rx@rafischer.com. Patients can also call (800) 525-3467 to begin the process over the phone. We accept debit, credit cards, and monthly payment plans to cover any patient responsibilies. Our insurance department will file the prior-authorization request and claim with the insurance company on the patient’s behalf.
Do you offer monthly payment plans or financing?
Yes! Through our financing partner Affirm, you can choose between 3, 6, and 12-month payment plans to cover any remaining balance after your insurance company has approved your claim. See if you qualify for 0% APR in less than 5 minutes. You’ll be sent loan confirmation and payment reminders via email and text.
Your account is created using your name, email, mobile phone number, birthday, and the last 4 digits of your SSN. This combination helps Affirm verify and protect your identity.
Affirm’s prequalifying will not affect your credit score. When you first create an account, Affirm performs what’s called a ‘soft’ credit check to help verify your identity and determine your eligibility for financing. This ‘soft’ credit check will not affect your credit score whatsoever.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes! The Fischer is backed by a 4-Year Warranty. Our warranty covers any manufacturer defects, but does not cover general wear and tear that may occur over time. With U.S.-based support, repairs are hassle-free.
Can I get my money back if I’m not satisifed?
Absolutely! While iontophoresis has been 98% successful in our experience, it doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why we offer a 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (less shipping) on The Fischer. Since most patients see drier results in 2-weeks, this 60-day window gives you more than enough time to determine if iontophoresis is right for you. What have you got to lose?
Once we receive your device, it is subject to inspection. Please allow 10-15 business days for us to process your return and issue a refund of any patient responsibility.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please call us at (800) 525-3467 to obtain Return Authorization before shipping the device back to us. If you do not call us before you ship your device back to us, it may take longer to process your return and delay your refund.
How often should I use The Fischer?
Everyone’s body is different, so it’s important that you talk to your doctor and your personal Treatment Specialist are RA Fischer Co. to establish a schedule that works for you. Most patients begin with 15-20 minute sessions 2-3x a week to start. However, in more severe cases, treating every day to start may be required.
Once you’ve achieved your desired level of dryness, you can reduce to the schedule that works best for you – once a week, once a month.
Begin at a low intensity – 1-3mA – and work your way up until you find a comfortable level. Most patients typically treat at 10-15mA for hands and 15-18mA for feet once they’ve reached their “maintenance schedule.” Keep in mind that iontophoresis is like going to the gym – you have to keep at it!
Iontophoresis should never be painful, so treat at a power level that’s comfortable for you.
What power level should I be using?
Begin at a low intensity – 1-3mA – and work your way up until you find a comfortable level. Most patients typically treat at 10-15mA for hands and 15-18mA for feet once they’ve reached their “maintence schedule.”
Iontophoresis should never be painful, so treat at a power level that’s comfortable for you.
How much water should I put into the trays?
Fill each water bath tray so that they blue foam inserts are sufficiently damp. This usually equates to between 2-5 cups of water, depending on the area you’re treating.
When can I reduce the frequency of treatment sessions?
Most patients see a noticeable reduction in sweating within the first 2-weeks of consistent treatment. You can gradually reduce the frequency of treatments once you’ve achieved your desired level of dryness. Maintenance treatments will be required, and this will vary from person to person. Patients have reported treating just once a month as part of their regular schedule, while some may require once-a-week sessions.
Can I do more than one treatment per day?
Using The Fischer more than once a day is not recommended. There is an increased risk of sensitivity, skin redness and irritation, and chronic dry skin from overuse. Refer to The Fischer Instruction Manual for details on our recommended treatment schedule.
Will my health plan cover the purchase of an iontophoresis device?
Yes, The Fischer iontophoresis machine is considered a medical necessity by some major insurance carriers. We work with Tricare, Humana, Aetna, Cigna, UMR & more. Our Treatment Specialists can review your coverage options and assist with obtaining a prior-authorization from your insurer.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies label hyperhidrosis as a “discomfort” and not a debilitating medical condition. We can connect you with a retail partner who can assist in getting you The Fischer out-of-pocket. Then, we’ve created this Insurance Reimbursement Guide to help you submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance company so costs are applied to your deductibles.
Can RA Fischer help me find out if my insurance will cover the cost?
Absolutely! If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, a Treatment Specialist at RA Fischer Co. can contact your provider on your behalf and inquire into eligibility. Then, we’ll review all of your options with you so you can make the best decision based on your timeline and budget.
What information is needed to complete my insurance inquiry?
Once we have received your inquiry, we’ll need the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth of patient
- Your full name and date of birth of beneficiary, if different from patient
- Copy of the front and back of your insurance card
- Doctor’s name and contact information
- Copy of doctor’s prescription
This information can be submitted via email to rx@rafischer.com after submitting your insurance inquiry.
What is prior-authorization and why is it needed?
Prior authorization may be required by your insurance company before obtaining an iontophoresis device. Prior authorization confirms that the device is considered medically necessary. However, receiving prior-authorization approval does not guarantee payment from your provider. Contact us to learn more about navigating the insurance process.
Who can start a prior authorization request and what information is needed?
A prior authorization request can be started by you, your doctor, or one of our Treatment Specialists here at RA Fischer Co. However, some insurance plans will only allow a prior authorization to be initiated by the member or their doctor.
Most prior authorization requests will require additional information from your doctor to show medical necessity. Have your doctor complete our Insurance & Physician’s Packet to get started.
What are my shipping options?
We ship via UPS, USPS or FedEx. Expedited shipping options are available depending on your situation.
Do you ship internationally?
We sure do! We ship globally via USPS Global services. Expedited shipping options may be available depending on your country.
Please note that international shipping costs do NOT include any customs fees or taxes that may be charged when your package arrives at its destination.
How long does shipping take?
On average, we ship the same day or next day, and delivery takes between 3-5 business days depending on where you live. Shipping time for international orders may vary.
Are customs fees and taxes included in shipping for international orders?
No, customs fees and taxes are not included in shipping costs. Taxes and fees are dependent on the country of delivery and are the responsibility of the patient.