I guess this depends on what UHC has to say, but I just talked to my neurosurgeon's office today (Dr. Bradford Mullin):

--2nd discogram: 17-JUN-2005

Presuming they confirm what the 1st discogram found (L4-L5 herniation, only pain source), then I should be good to go for:

--Single level ADR: 1-AUG-2005

Interestingly enough, the scheduler said that their office hasn't had any insurance issues with any insurance companies so far, but that they would confirm multiple times with UHC concerned whether or not I am good to go (pre-certified and covered, I believe is the terminology).

Maybe the light at the end of this tunnel isn't an oncoming train after all http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common.../icon_wink.gif

David

Don't mean to rain on your parade, but I've been told that UHC has yet to approve ANY ADR. I sincerely hope you're successful, because my insurance company (MAMSI) is a subsidiary of UHC, and is being a HUGE pain.

Having said all that, I sincerely hope you're successful. Please let me know if you manage to get this approved.

-stan

Agreed and understood. My primary concern is whether or not UHC will really cover (and pay for) the procedure.

I am hoping that they will. If not, then I will at least consider paying for this in the U.S. out of pocket. More than likely, Germany would cost me a lot less though....

David

I have UHC....flat denial. No way. No how.

Hopefully you will be the first and the floodgates will start to open.

One can only hope.

To be honest, I am actually presuming I will be denied.

Either way, I will keep everyone here informed, especially if UHC decides to approve (and cover) me.

David

I was denied by UHC also, all appeals. My Doctor actually talked to their Orthopedic "Specialist".
My Doctor said this guy sounded like he was retired for quite awhile, and had no real idea about new procedures other than what he has read in magazines. For every 20 reasons for ADR that my Doctor gave, he said this Quack focused only on the 1 or 2 reasons why I shouldnt have it.

Basically he called only to say no, even though it was supposed to be for my Doctor to support my case....

This country is in bad need of Health Insurance reform....

> This country is in bad need of Health Insurance reform....

I'd be satisfied with a bill that would prevent insurance companies from being able to classify an FDA-approved product as "unproven" or "experimental". I may write my Congressman with that suggestion and see what kind of response I get.

-stan