3 appeals denied by United Healthcare last year and initially this year for 2-level Prodisc not b/c multilevel but b/c UHC claims experimental/unproven treatment for DDD. I paid out of pocket with Dr. Delamarter; UHC denied coverage on the date of my surgery. B/c self-funded plan through my employer I was not able to appeal to the CA Insurance Commission or the CA Dept. of Managed Healthcare. I am still in appeals process for reimbursement but do not expect that will happen. Not workers' comp.
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scoliosis; 1998 snowboarding injury->DDD L3-S1 w/annular tears/protrusions; 2007 episodes of rt foot drop
2007 Prodisc ADR L4-S1
L4-5 Prodisc tilted/facet issues; old L5 nerve damage
2009 L4-5 Prodisc ADR removed and revised to XLIF w/posterior instrumentation
massive hemorrhage from tear of inferior vena cava at right iliac vein due to adhesion from Prodisc op
2010 not fused; as a result of complications permanent nerve damage to lumbar plexus causing severe rt leg, hip, groin pain
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