Question on Mulit-level in the US

[waynes]

Becky had an MRI on the 19th. We will be seeing the Neurosurgeon next Wednesday the 2nd. From what we can see there are 2 MAYBE 3 disks causing problems. (remember, these are uneducated eyes). I have been gleaning bits and peices in this forum of multi-level being performed in the US. One poster suggested that insurance paid for one and the 2nd was paid out of pocket. If the surgeon recommends 2 disk surgery and other opinions agree I think the US option may be better for the following reasons.

MUCH less travel involved.
IF ins covers one level the cost of the 2nd with travel would be cheaper than Europe.
Coverage would be better if something goes wrong.
Follow up would be easier and better.

Does this make sense? Is my thinking skewed?

I know there are hurdles to cross doing it this way but I dont know what they are.

What are your thoughts?


Wayne

[JeffreyD]

In my opinion, the answers to your questions are:

MUCH less travel involved.
True, but is this really important when you are talking about your spine?

IF ins covers one level the cost of the 2nd with travel would be cheaper than Europe.
Insurance coverage is not usually that simple, but even if it were, I think you are incorrect in stating that if your insurance company covered one level, the second level would be less expensive than it would be if the entire surgery were performed in Europe (Germany specifically).

Coverage would be better if something goes wrong.
My post-op coverage was identical care-wise and cost-wise here in the U.S. whether my surgery was performed in Germany or here. If something "goes wrong", you are not any better off if the surgery was performed here in the u.S. Wouldn't you rather go to a surgeon who would provide a lower risk of something going wrong?

Follow up would be easier and better.
Easier how? Better, how? I am able to have extensive post op management via my ortho physician here and, at no additional cost, extensive overview management by my surgeon in Germany.

You spine is going to be with you while you walk this earth. The best care possible is less expensive, and more importantly, far superior in Germany, assuming you are going to visit a specialist with over 1,500 surgeries performed.

Hope you achieve relief from your pain and limitations,
Jeff