US & Global Prices of Artificial Disc Replacement

[Harrison]

Many thanks to our friend Liz for sharing the following information to me by email. The web page lists actual cash prices for artificial disc replacement!

I am not a big fan of metal on metal technology, but I applaud the work it took for Dr. Pettine’s staff to create this information for patients. Of course, I have a host of attendant questions along with this published information. However, I hope other surgical clinics recognize the value in providing this information to patients.

Some context here: in 2004, I actually met the CFO at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston and practically begged him for this procedure cost information, but got no where. It was a sad day. But maybe capitalism, competition and common sense will prevail and help patients figure this stuff out!? We are eight years into ADR in the United States, so can we patients at least get the prices of procedures that WE MUST PAY, since our insurance companies will NOT pay for the procedure?

On the flip-side, I really hope that cash values of a very invasive, critical spine surgery DO NOT detract from the importance of all the other factors that should be considered… there is a long list for sure. We’ve talked about so many of them in the past four years: a patient's diagnosis, surgeon’s expertise & track record, device options, patient’s risks, procedure risks, etc.

How does this kind of information below affect your decision of possible spine surgery? Is this communications approach similar to what the Germans have been doing for a decade? What are the pros and cons of making this marketing information explicit?

This is an important topic, so please do tell. I especially want to hear from the “lurkers,” the contemplative, thoughtful folks we’ve not heard from in a while. Let em rip!
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Global Cash Price for Artificial Disc Replacement (performed at Loveland Surgery Center):

Lumbar & Cervical ADR Pricing

http://www.rmsas.com/globalpricing.html

(Would like to include the pricing; can't do now due to security precautions; see thumbnail image or site link.)

[Terry]

That's a lot of money there. I paid $60,000 for a four level ADR surgery that is listed here at $77,400. My surgery was a little over two years ago. It would be nice to have a comparison of what the same levels would cost with a fusion instead of ADR. The recovery times should be posted as well to show a full value comparison of the money and recovery times involved for both procedures. That would be something to see and quite telling.

Terry Newton

[Dave C]

Seems a little light on the cervical section. My two-level was around $52,000 USD.

[Fuzzy]

It does seem a little light on the cervical. "Inexpensive". In europe they charge the same for both the lumbar and cervical procedures and it would cost more for a 2 level cervical there then what it says on this site.
But I don't know anything about his place or what their experience is. Would be nice if they all did this.

[Justin]

Remember: surgeon and hospital fees can vary greatly based on geography alone.

[ERvet]

Harrison: This doc is in my little neck of the woods (pun intended). A lot of people like him, I have considered getting one more opinion from him, but at the same time, I have put ADR on the back burner. Still waiting to hear back from m pain doc about the biacuplasty procedure (still think they made that word up....kind of like "Qdoba"...not really a word). Most recent round of ESI, SI joint and left trochanteric bursa injections have worn off. Dang it. Still, there's a fabulous full moon outside, so I've got that going for me.

Susan/ERvet

[Terry]

We saw that moon over Little Traverse Bay this morning before the Winter clouds returned. It was the largest full-moon I have ever seen. The snow machine is coming back on and we have had 34" of snow since November 1st. Gaylord, Michigan, which is 35 miles away from us, in the snowbelt region has received 74" of snow in the same time period.

I hope to see that beautiful moon again tomorrow morning.

I hope you start feeling better soon. Those injections sound like they need to be repeated.

Terry Newton

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Dave C

Seems a little light on the cervical section. My two-level was around $52,000 USD.

Dave,

Your quote seems more realistic regarding cervical surgeries. BTW, is your avatar a marijuana leaf?

[Terry]

Medical Marijuana law just passed here in Michigan. We are all eagerly awaiting the day when we can go to our doctor and get some; "Medicinal Marijuana."

Wait till you see the cars coming off the line at GM now!

That is the little production guys at the end there, all stoned on medicinal marijuana.

OH MY ACHING BACK.

Terry Newton

[keziah23]

Weather/Moon: Moon was beautiful here in St. Louis, Missouri and a nice halo around it preceding the impending ice storm. If you don't see me post for a few days its because we lost electricity. This is winter in the midwest.

Medical Marijuana: I have a fear of vomiting (long story) I'd love medical marijuana to be approved, and "non-medical" for that case, because I don't think they'd give it to me for the stomach flu

Cost of ADR: For my one level Prodisc-C just over 3 weeks ago at an outpatient surgery center my insurance has thus far been billed right at $48k