Well in 2004 I don't think this surgery was FDA approved, so Delamarter's office could've been doing it for free. Typically what happens is the doctor's office tries to approve the surgery with your insurance. SInce the procedure isn't typcially covered by the insurance company the manufacturer of the device will end up paying the doctor and the hospital, thereby making the surgery free. This only applies to FDA trials.
Of course, in 2004 the known issues with Charitie gaming the FDA trials hadn't been discovered or at least advertised. The insurance company could've really been covering this surgery for a small period of time until they realized the cost risks.
Delamarter is the last free doctor in LA. In fact he doesn't accept insurance at all. He takes your cash and bills your insurance later. Your insurance company will reimburse you whatever they feel like. Not a situation to be in if you're not rich. Another popular person, Dr. Regan, does the same.
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1/2006 DDD L5/S1
Prodisc St. Mary's 12/2006 not diagnosed properly pre-op and now have DDD L4/L5, facet calcification L5-S1/L4-L5, mild scoliosis and left knee pain. DDD: C3 through C6
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