[JJames]

Hello all,

It has been so long since I last posted on these boards I almost feel as if I should really be posting on the New Member Introductions area! I must confess though, that I do log in and look around almost daily. I am posting now because I am beginning the steps towards finally making a surgical decision regarding my spinal situation. Previously, I was a cigarette smoker (which I am more than a little embarrased to admit here). My first step towards a surgical decision was to quit those - stopped about a month ago and intend to continue that way permanently! Main reason is so that ALL surgical options will be more available to me - bi-level ADR, Hybrid, or bi-level fusion.

My reason for posting here under the "Insurance Hell" heading is to ask if anyone knows or has heard anything regarding the U.S. FDA approving or U.S. medical insurance companies beginning to cover bi-level Lumbar ADR. Back in 2007 when I was last rejected such coverage, I was also led to believe by my surgeon, the device manufacturer, and others that this would be likely very soon -- that was about 4 and 1/2 years ago!

Just curious if anyone has heard or knows anything regarding this. I will not be revisiting surgeons and re-addressing my options, redoing MRIs, and all the other tests they will want to conduct until I have gotten way past my nicotene and smoking addiction.

Thank you all for being here on these boards and sharing your stories and advice, etc. It's meant a lot over all these years ...

Jeff