surgery or not, will medicare pay for ADR?

[rozjblack]

I was hurt 2004 low back L2 L4-L5 S1. I had MRI 7/2010 showed S1 gone, L5 mostly gone. L2 narrow, possible fracture (which I never knew workers comp at that time) I decided to rehab my back at time of injury. I was afraid of surgery. I have gone through every rehab program there is. I have had 4 rizotomies (sorry spelling) and many many injection. For several years I was doing ok, in pain but livable pain. Dec 2010 I have the fourth rizotomy. Was not successful at all. Took 2 weeks to feel my legs. Then things calmed down. I went into PT again, and now I'm worse than I ever was. Never had issues with the right side of back or legs. Now ALL pain is on the right side. Down the front and back of legs. I can't walk with out extreme pain. my PT tells me to think POSITIVE. That's all well except I'm in so much pain.

I'm at the point of thinking surgery is my only choice and I've read ADR has been very successful for patients. But I can't get concrete insurance information on coverage. I have medicare SSD I'm under 60. Yet Medicare doesn't give a clear answer. I don't have the money to pay for the surgery. Other than ADR what is a good choice for surgery. I want to walk into the dr office with some knowledge.

Any help/advise would greatly appreciated.

[Harrison]

Hey Ros, thx for posting.

Quick note: I dropped the last part of your email address in your screen name so you don't get spammed! More later.

[KarlMark]

rozjblack,

FWIW, I wrote what I learned in this posting:

Any Medicare Prodisc-C approvals?

Some of this applies to lumbar. Good luck!

-Karl

[Jmbeam]

Why wasnt this followed up by anyone?

[Harrison]

JM, I am not sure -- what are you referring to specifically?