Hospitals and Clinics doing ADR ?

[mikemcmanus57]

Can I get some help? I am researching ADR. Let me start by saying I have had a previous L5 S1 microdiscectomy and noe am told I have DDD at that level and maybee L4-L5 also. Need Discogram. I am trying to determine if there is a clear cut Hospital to have ADR surgury. I have been in contact with Stenum and sent them my MRI. I was told I was a canidate there. I have seen a number of posts that say to stay away from Stenum. I have not seen as many complaints from the Alpha Klinik. or am I missing something? I need advise. I anyone can help steer me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. Have a Great Day.

[annapurna]

There are a number of very bad stories concerning Stenum. There are also a number of very satisfied patients. As to whether he's a bumbler that occasionally gets lucky or a skilled surgeon that occasionally screws up is your call. There is a discussion topic on it with strongly held opinions.

Outside of Stenum, there have been few complaints with Pro-Spine and the Alpha Klinik. Pro-Spine is difficult to reach; both are expensive compared to what I've heard of Stenum. If you ask my opinion, knowing that it's opinion only, we've used both the Alpha Klinik and Pro-Spine for lumbar and cervical ADR, respectively. Zeegers at the Alpha Klinik is an artist but suffers a bit with difficult diagnostics. Bertagnoli is more of an engineer with superior diagnostic skills.

[SeanTheFireman]

Just my opinion, but I would try to stay in the U.S., especially if your insurance will cover it. There are a few well respected hospitals right here in the U.S.

[JeffreyD]

.....and my experience with Dr. Zeegers and Dr. Bertagnoli is quite the reverse.
Dr. Bertagnoli had no clue what to do with my lumbar problems and Dr. Zeegers nailed it.
My 2 cents,
Jeff

[JeffreyD]

....amd my response to Seanthefireman is that there is not a single surgeon in the US that can equal (or even approach) the level of skill of Dr. Zeegers or Dr. Bertagnoli.
Why anyone would take that risk, I will never understand. Certainly, many folks have had successful surgeries in the US, but the odds are against you from the start.
It's just the way it is, unfortunately.

Jeff

[Justin]

.....and my experience with Dr. Zeegers and Dr. Bertagnoli is quite the reverse.
Dr. Bertagnoli had no clue what to do with my lumbar problems and Dr. Zeegers nailed it.
My 2 cents,
Jeff

Jeff,
I would venture to say that Dr. Bertagnoli had a clue of what to do with your spine problems. No clue is quite laughable and condescending when you are taking about one of the worlds most experienced ADR surgeons--I will leave it at that.

We'll refund those 2 cents.

....amd my response to Seanthefireman is that there is not a single surgeon in the US that can equal (or even approach) the level of skill of Dr. Zeegers or Dr. Bertagnoli.
Why anyone would take that risk, I will never understand. Certainly, many folks have had successful surgeries in the US, but the odds are against you from the start.
It's just the way it is, unfortunately.

What's with the arrogance? I understand your point. However, most people can't afford to pay for surgery overseas--heck, most people in the US have trouble even paying for health insurance.

You and I had the luxury of "not taking that risk." It is close-minded to think that everyone should (or can) do the same.

Mike--you are asking the right questions. It comes down to a personal decision. Do your research and decide what is ultimately best for you.

Good luck and if you need any help, don't hesitate to contact me.

Justin

[LBP]

Im just one of those people waiting for Ins to cover ADR but I've been reading this board for awhile. The most positive feedback in US seems to be Texas Back Institute, Dr Delamarter in LA, Dr. Bitan in NY and Dr Yue at Yale.

[JeffreyD]

Didn't mean to sound arrogant. Money is always an important issue, however, at this point in time, if you need surgery and you need it now, as is the case with severe disc degeneration and disability, having surgery in the US is not typically less expensive, as ADR is rarely covered in total.
Yes, it was irresponsible to say Dr. Bertagnoli was clueless as to my diagnosis; I humbly retract that statement. Dr. Zeegers was just the right guy for my case and figured out the complexities of my problems from the beginning.

Jeff

[Bionic Michelle]

If we're talking a one-level here, I strongly believe you can get surgeons as good here as overseas. Now, were I talking a 3 (or 6!) level, I'd be calling Germany. `Course-I can only say this out of my own experience. I found a great surgeon in Denver, so I'll stand by my opinion that American docs are just as good. It's just a question of experience. They haven't been doing multiple levels here long enough to catch up to overseas, but I think that the difference (depending on the surgeon of course) with singles is negligible. Would I think this if my single-level hadn't been a success? Probably not. Do I have any info besides myself? One nurse (!) by the same doc with a 2 level who had -0- pain 6 weeks post-op and still does. So I'll just spout that opinion and shut up now.

"In association with the Spine Education and Research Institute, the Center was one of 19 research facilities conducting the ProDisc®-L total disc replacement study and performed more spine arthroplasties (disc replacements) than any other clinic in the Western U.S." www.centerforspinaldisorders.com

-Just my little plug for my surgeon since Texas seemed to be getting all the attention

[ZorroSF]

I don't want to butt into this conversation, but money was the ONLY reason I stayed in San Francisco. I still warn about being very cautious looking for ProDisc surgeons. However, I think post-op care is just as critical as the operation itself. I'm leaning on moving to L.A. just to find better care.