Getting ADR done in the USA or Germany.

[steve55]

Is it better to go to germany like most are doing here instead of using a local US surgeon for ADR? Are the german surgeons better???

[Dave C]

Steve,

I had a two-level cervical ADR performed in Michigan with great results. Do your research and you will find numerous surgeons here in the USA who are highly qualified.

The cost may be a little more, at least it used to be. Now with the dollar so low versus the Euro, I'm not sure this is still the case.

[Terry]

Originally posted by steve55:
Is it better to go to germany like most are doing here instead of using a local US surgeon for ADR? Are the german surgeons better???

They have been at it longer than in the US due to the FDA not approving this surgery for so many years. The differences in the exchange rate are disheartening at present. When I went over there it was more favorable but still expensive.

Terry Newton

[Cirobi]

I don't think it's necessary to go to Germany, but it also depends on your own situation including the number of levels being done. There are a lot of restrictions as to what surgeons can do in the US vs what they can overseas.

I also don't think that most of the folks here have gone overseas. There are quite a few people who already ARE overseas which would skew the ratio. If you are careful in which surgeon you pick, there are many very qualified docs here in the US. I can certainly recommend an excellent one in the Philadelphia area now that I'm on the recovery side of my own ADR surgery.

~Sara

[CindyLou]

steve55, welcome to our community! All good advice above. I would only reiterate, how many possible levels do you need to have done? And where do you live? What is your own personal history with pain issues? We can help you better with this information on your signature. And so, to add your signature, click on "Go," tab is in the upper left hand corner, then click on "Personal Zone," then click on "Profile," then click on "View/Edit Complete Profile," then scroll down to the "Signature" and enter text and click, OK. Personally, because I had to have 3 lumbar levels replaced, I went to Germany. My stateside surgeon here said, Dr. B is the god of multi-level disc replacement. Like Terry said, the Europeans have been at it for many more years than the USA, due to FDA regulations. If you only need 1 level, and your signature told me you lived in Texas, for example, I would also highly recommend Texas Back Institute. Help us help you, good friend. Add your signature and we go from there.

[steelskyway]

Steve,

Ditto above. I live in Los Angeles and went to the laspineinstitute.com. I am 10 weeks post op and doing well. Good Luck and keep us informed.

Paul

[Sean]

Hi Steve

If I decided to have ADR in Germany how much do you think 2 level ADR would cost ? Just a ball park quote, I would hate to get second mortgage to pay for something my insurance co. here should pay.

Aloha Sean

[Linda]

Ballpark...$45,000. We paid $30,000. in Jan. 2005 not including the airfare but the dollar was much stronger back then and the price has gone up significantly. We had to borrow all of our 401K money. I am not sure I would do it again and use our retirement funds. There are many experienced doctors stateside now. Best wishes in your search.

[ans]

If you have osteoporosis and will get an ADR, Germany is a very good choice as they have Cortoss cement that would buttress the ADR and hopefully prevent migration/subsidence.

There is a new "cement" being tested by the FDA but I don't have the information handy; I do not know if this is relevant to spines though.

[Terry]

I had 4 level done in Germany on November 4, 2006 and it was $61,000 plus airfare and about $1,000 hotel bill so, roughly $64,000. I sued the homeowner for the accident caused by their dog and then Blue Cross came through and paid for the surgery after the fact.

It was not an advisable way to make any money. HaHa! Three years of my life, shattered clavicle and, a surgery to repair that and, 4 level ADR. It was a fun three years.

The costs have gone up significantly since as the dollar compared to the Euro is bad.

Terry Newton