Not just tennis elbow

Surprised 1 · #1 08-04-2013, 09:55 AM

Hi everyone - another newbie here. Just a couple of weeks ago I decided to see an orthopedist because along with r elbow pain I was experiencing some bilateral arm numbness when sleeping. After looking at x-rays an MRI was ordered. The MRI showed significant DDD of Cervical 5/6 & 6/7. Have seen a local spine specialist who recommended fusion of both levels. He had a model of a Pro-Disc on the table but when I asked about that he said he'd never get it approved by BCBS. When I said I'd pay for it outright - he looked at me like I was nuts and there was no further conversation. I wasn't concerned as I'd already been doing some research and was pretty certain that I'd be going to Germany for ADR replacement with Dr. Beirstedt. I was hoping to be a candidate for the M6 however, I have kyphosis in lower cervical spine and the doctor believes that the Secure-C would be a better fit in that it will reintroduce lordosis. I am in the process of scheduling the surgery although I do have some questions that I'll ask here and also in the ADR thread.

Does anyone have any experience with the Secure-C?
Will TBI do a double cervical ADR? With a Secure-C?

Thanks for any assistance and the great amount of information that I've already gathered from various threads on this forum.

Surprised 1 · #2 08-04-2013, 10:03 AM

It has been recommended to me by Dr. Beirstedt that my C 5/6 and C6/7 disks be replaced with the Globus Secure-C ADR. This would be used in order to reintroduce lordosis in my lower cervical area. This area is currently kyphotic. Has anyone here had a similar situation and, if so, can you share how you have addressed your situation?

I've only recently found out about my situation and feel very grateful that I am not suffering great pains. I am though starting to experience numbness to both arms. As I am an active person in both work and play I am planning on moving to correct my spinal issue quickly - most likely in Germany as I don't think that I can get a 2 level replacement here in the states. Perhaps I am mistaken on that and would appreciate any information on this.

Thanks,
Susan

NJ Gene · #3 08-04-2013, 12:35 PM

Surprised, I have read on these boards that earlier in the year, the FDA approved ADR for 2 consecutive levels. There are some advantages to getting it done in the U.S. First of all, insurance might cover all or part of the cost. Furthermore, there is accountability if something goes wrong. However, I do not know if the discs that Dr. Bierstedt plans to use are available in the U.S. The M6 definitely is not. On the positive side of going to Europe, most patients on these boards have done incredibly well post-op. Even if you don't have insurance coverage for an overseas procedure, you can take a big tax write-off for your travel and medical costs for this. You can PM me for more details or contact your accountant.

Good luck!!

Gene

Harrison · #4 08-04-2013, 12:38 PM

Susan, I will merge this post with the other one on the same topic. Yes, TBI will do double level ADR. Not sure about the Secure-C -- probably not.

Surprised 1 · #5 08-04-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ Gene

Surprised, I have read on these boards that earlier in the year, the FDA approved ADR for 2 consecutive levels. There are some advantages to getting it done in the U.S. First of all, insurance might cover all or part of the cost. Furthermore, there is accountability if something goes wrong. However, I do not know if the discs that Dr. Bierstedt plans to use are available in the U.S. The M6 definitely is not. On the positive side of going to Europe, most patients on these boards have done incredibly well post-op. Even if you don't have insurance coverage for an overseas procedure, you can take a big tax write-off for your travel and medical costs for this. You can PM me for more details or contact your accountant.

Good luck!!

Gene

Thanks NJ Gene. I do believe that the Secure-C has FDA approval but don't know if anyone stateside has experience using it. Supposedly it's "easy" to install. There's a real conundrum between the experience of European surgeons and the insurance / accountability aspect of staying stateside.

Just last night I made a note to contact my accountant - good advice there.

Thanks again.

Surprised 1 · #6 08-04-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harrison

Susan, I will merge this post with the other one on the same topic. Yes, TBI will do double level ADR. Not sure about the Secure-C -- probably not.

Thank you Harrison for the information on TBI, I may contact them tomorrow.

Do you think that anyone will see my question about the Secure-C on this thread as opposed to the ADR thread? I'm so new to all of this and just want some input of anyone who may have had this device implanted. Info on this unit is a bit thin with only 2 comments on a you-tube video, one of which is a typical you-tube comment...

Thanks again,
Susan

2Confused · #7 08-05-2013, 12:01 PM

Surprised,

For what it is worth... I have two ADR M6, cervical spine, my surgery was done by Dr. Clavel in Spain. I also have BCBS. We paid cash for the surgery, then filed a claim with BCBS with full documentation - we were surprised to receive a check from BCBS for 60% of the costs.

Hopes this helps!

Surprised 1 · #8 08-05-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Confused

Surprised,

For what it is worth... I have two ADR M6, cervical spine, my surgery was done by Dr. Clavel in Spain. I also have BCBS. We paid cash for the surgery, then filed a claim with BCBS with full documentation - we were surprised to receive a check from BCBS for 60% of the costs.

Hopes this helps!

2Confused, thanks for the reply. I just got off the phone with BCBS. They said I needed the doctor to call and get prior authorization. Did Dr. Clavel do this in your case or did you only contact BCBS after your surgery? I do know that in any event payment will be from me to the doctor and then I file for reimbursement.

I hope that you are doing well - the M6's really look great in replicating our natural disks.

2Confused · #9 08-05-2013, 08:07 PM

Surprised,

We paid cash for the surgery, then filed a claim with Worldwide Blue after. In fact, Surgery was in Oct. we filed claim in Jan & received a check around the firt of April.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surprised 1

2Confused, thanks for the reply. I just got off the phone with BCBS. They said I needed the doctor to call and get prior authorization. Did Dr. Clavel do this in your case or did you only contact BCBS after your surgery? I do know that in any event payment will be from me to the doctor and then I file for reimbursement.

I hope that you are doing well - the M6's really look great in replicating our natural disks.

LauraB · #10 08-06-2013, 09:14 AM

2confused
This is such a ray of hope. I have been working back and forth trying to convince BCBS that ADR is my only option. My neuro here in the states has even tried an appeal (even though he is not doing the surgery). I would love
to stay in contact once my surgery is complete. If I could recoup any of it, it would be a blessing. My plan is to leave Germany with a full surgical report discriminating fusion - hopefully it will be an asset in my argument.
Glad to hear someone is fighting the insurance and coming out on top!