Hey there
I called TBI today to ask about the new Kineflex clinical trial. I have been approved for ADR 2 levels but have yet to get insurance to agree to pay for the surgery. I thought this might be a way to have the surgery and get it paid for.
I was told that they were not sure the company would cover the surgery or not since they have not gotten all the paperwork on this and that many times in the past they had not paid for the surgery itself.
What has been the experience of those of you that have had surgery during the trials here? Did your insurance or you have to pay for the surgery itself?
I have been in the medical field for over 20 years and have never heard of a clinical trial where the patient was responsible for part of the cost of the treatment. The drug companies frequently pay a stipend for time and travel for the patients undergoing thier clinical trial studies. I am not interested in this but found it very strange they would expect you to undergo an experimental surgery and still pay for it?
Thanks for any help in advance

Kim, many folks like me pay for the surgery, the mfr (Depuy in my case) donated the disc (appr. $11,000 depending on market conditions!).

I think you saw my earlier posts on this disc, I posted an email from the president...suggest you email him directly to inquire about this.

Kim

The sponsor paid for my discs, my insurance paid for the procedure. The sponsor will also pay my travel if/when I can't combine the trip with business.

Scott

Kim,

I talked to Eileen at my doc office about what you said regarding have to pay for the Kineflex study. The person that informed you gave you incorrect information. The Kineflex study is covered 100%. There are no costs to the patient what so ever. If I were you I would call Eileen and she can explain it to you.

Nichole

I think that's the way it hsould be if your volunteering for a clinical trial. Before I was disqualified I spent countless hours trying to get 2 different insurances to pay for the surgery/hospitalization.

Thanks everyone for the info. To be fair to TBI they have not gotten very far with this and did not have a lot of info on it yet. That being said I have not been very happy with the way they handle things there and are very lax in imparting any information or help to the patient to find out anything.
I have called and left Eileen a message Nicole but have not heard back from her. I may try to call her again on Monday.
Thanks again everyone this has been very eye opening
Kim

Kim, if you dont hear back from her by next Wednesday send me a email and I will call my interanl connection there and try and get the scoop-di-whoop!

Kim, Nichole -- good luck with everything and thanks for the info. If you have any more helpful links or info on the Kineflex, pls share!

http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Hi Kim, The other day I got it from the top, the Kineflex trail will exclude two levels. Bummed me out big time too. On an human note about the doctors office staff, I think they are overloaded so badly, they are swimming and is an area I learned that a little sugar goes a long way.

Kim,

I had a 2 level ProDisc in the trials at TBI. The discs were donated and my insurance paid the rest. I live in the Dallas area and regularly see 2 of the docs there, one for my neck disks and one for my lumbar disks. If I can do anything to help you with answers, let me know. I know quite a few of the staff at TBI. Sometimes dealing with them over the phone can be very frustrating. They are really busy. The docs are good though. Let me know if I can help.

Linda