|
|
|||||||
| New Member Introductions If you just joined, please introduce yourself here. Please add a signature describing your spinal history (use the "User CP) and ask us how we can help you get started. |
 |
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
#11
02-10-2014, 12:52 PM
|
||||
|
||||
I am patiently awaiting my appointment with Dr. wohns on March 3. He will be my "second opinion" about the surgery, but I'm pretty sure I know what he will say. I also have a very large bone spur that is protruding into my spinal cord that I'm hoping doesn't prevent me from having a two level ADR. My current surgeon mentioned that if there are bone spurs that are not in a place where it is safe to remove them, fusion is a better option to prevent the mobility because it will keep the bone spurs from irritating the nerves. So, one hurdle at a time for me.
In the mean time I am spending this month eating very clean and walking and swimming as my schedule allows to be healthy for surgery. The thought of surgery is very intimidating to me and recovery, as I have a 16 month old daughter, will be interesting to say the least. Luckily I have lots of friends and family, as well as two older kids that can help. I haven't done much research on the insurance issue as of yet, but I think that will be my project in the next few weeks. I have a feeling that since Dr. whons has done over 3000 ADRs in the cervical and lumbar, many of which were two level and one cervical 3 level that I'm aware of  their office probably has experience handling appeals. Melissa: welcome!!! We can walk this walk together!! I will keep you informed of my process as it unfolds. According to Aetnas clinical bulliten review, their policy states they will only cover a one level. They won't cover a fusion with a one level either.  BUT that doesn't mean all hope is lost. It is in our favor that the mobi-c disc was just approved by the FDA in the us for a two level. I have also heard of appeals won, reimbursement for overseas surgery and I think someone got them to pay for one level, and they paid for the other themselves. I will post information and progress of my personal case to keep you informed. Maybe you can do the same for me, and collectively we can take on this battle. Thanks all for your comments and support. It is so helpful! Keep it coming! Kelly
__________________
2004 MRI -cervical bone spur causing pain 2011 MRI -5 bulging discs at C3-7: Recommended C5-6 and C6-7 for a two level fusion, I said no thanks. 2014 MRI -progressive compression C5-7. MRI 6/5/14- Ruptured L4-5, bulge at L2-3 and L5-S1 Dr recommends discectomy of L4-5 but won't do surgery until cervical is stable 8/2014- 8 months/3 rounds of appeals, Aetna denies 2 level cervical ADR  2 level ADR w/ mobi-c C5-7 Jan 7, 2015 
|
|
#12
02-10-2014, 03:43 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Kelly, could I get Dr. Whons info as well?
__________________
Weightlifter since 12 years old, now mid-40's and figuring out this wasn't such a good idea. Chronic back pain started in 2010 while shrugging weights that a 40 yr. old shouldn't even try. MRI in 2012 showing L4/L5, L5/S1 herniations and L2/L3 bulge. L5/S1 taking on new shape, chronic sciatica, etc. DEXA bone scan performed 5/7/14 showing mild osteopenia. Surgery performed July 9th, 2014, Dr Clavel, hybrid three level lumbar.
|
|
#13
02-19-2014, 12:50 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Drewrad,
Sorry for the delay... Dr. Richard Wohns in Puyallup WA. His clinic name is Neospine. They have a great website where you can see all his credentials listed.
__________________
2004 MRI -cervical bone spur causing pain 2011 MRI -5 bulging discs at C3-7: Recommended C5-6 and C6-7 for a two level fusion, I said no thanks. 2014 MRI -progressive compression C5-7. MRI 6/5/14- Ruptured L4-5, bulge at L2-3 and L5-S1 Dr recommends discectomy of L4-5 but won't do surgery until cervical is stable 8/2014- 8 months/3 rounds of appeals, Aetna denies 2 level cervical ADR 2 level ADR w/ mobi-c C5-7 Jan 7, 2015
|
|
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| 2-level Cervical ADR in UK | Marti in Benicia | New Member Introductions | 2 | 10-18-2010 03:52 PM |
| 2 level cervical ADR 7/18 | freshfig | New Member Introductions | 3 | 08-07-2006 06:09 PM |
