[Terry]

CindyLou:

I worked at St. Joe's Hospital for several years when I lived in Minnesota. I have been in the health care industry for close to thirty years.

Your best bet is to get as much evidence as possible about what your diagnosis is, what attempts you have made to resolve your issues to date, what your surgical options are, and why you believe the option you are choosing is the one in your best interest. Then you have to get a physician to support your theories and present your case. The more physicians to support your method of resolution the better. What works in your favor is if fusion is the only other alternative your athletiscism and the subsequent limitations of a fusion work in your favor.

I believe that is why Blue Cross paid for my surgery. I was in such good shape and a fusion would have severely limited my mobility and lifestyle. I was a great candidate for ADR Surgery. Blue Cross pays for one reason; "Medical Necessity".

Fight the Good Fight and don't give up.

Terry Newton