prodisc

[David]

You are correct in the fact that the "approvable" letter was only for 1 level Prodisc, which is why I am unfortunately presuming that the upcoming Prodisc announcement will be actual approval for 1 level only

My presumption is that multi-level Prodisc approval will probably be <STRIKE>approximately</STRIKE> 6 months after the first approval.

Now, that all being said, I can be optimistic and hope that both single level and multi-level Prodisc will be approved at the same time. I just doubt it

David

[chasswen]

well i just finished scanning all my med reports for sending to dr b. along with my dexa scan which was good l1 to l4 was t score was .03 and my left hip was 0.0.
dont know why L5 was'nt tested and i have my last ctscan and mri films on a cd for easier mailing.
so they have another 3 wks. for prodisc approval before i start the pro-spine contact procedure.
chuck

[Mariaa]

Dr.B has seen my scans twice now, tho not since 2005 and not recent CT scan/dexa scan results.

I'm not sure whether L5 was done on my dexa scan either, have to locate it tho I was shocked to see L1 was a -2.9...my overall score was -2.2 and my hips were left -2.8 and right -2.9 so my PCP told me to be more concerned about hip fracture than my spine ...of course, hips "feel" fine~

I just hope 2 level Prodisc is approved in case a discogram would yield it necessary for L3-L5S1 to be done and L5S1 would be a fusion for me.. (altho if this surgeon doesn't mention performing disco in his plan to UR..there's trouble right there as far as I'm concerned)~

Either way, the surgeon I saw has a timeline to send back necessary forms filled out so that technicalities wouldn't hang it up for WC UR, and I think that timeline was 20 days from when he received notice (Oct.24th).

[chasswen]

i hope it works out for you mariaa.dealing with doctors in the usa mosty is a pain in the butt. either there idiots or or have god like complex.
i'm really begining to see why my father wouldn't go to the doctors for all the bullcrap that goes with it.and he died at 62 a few yrs back.
chuck

[Mariaa]

Chuck,
Having worked in nursing for 25 years plus I'm more or less used to what I have seen although must admit dislike being on the patient end of things much more than working w/surgeons...

In the last 30 years, there has been a staggering decline of manners and courtesy from what I've noted in terms of replies/patient handling.

I'm sure there is much contributing to this phenomenon, however, while I think being a gifted surgeon may not include the ability to be a "people person" so to speak, I think that common decency and manners is part of what is necessary for me to feel comfortable with a treating physician/surgeon.

[Ken (AKA-KP)]

I just want to throw this out there for food for thought. I have spoken with Dr. Yue's office about the FDA approval of pro disc and tehy expect it very soon. However, they were quick to inform me that even if the FDA approves the pro disc does not mean that the insurance companies will cover the surgery. They stated that the Charite was approved in 2004 and insurance companies are still not paying for the ADR surgeries (except one). Off to Germany 06-06-06.

[David]

I just want to throw this out there for food for thought. I have spoken with Dr. Yue's office about the FDA approval of pro disc and tehy expect it very soon. However, they were quick to inform me that even if the FDA approves the pro disc does not mean that the insurance companies will cover the surgery. They stated that the Charite was approved in 2004 and insurance companies are still not paying for the ADR surgeries (except one). Off to Germany 06-06-06.

Understood, but did they say 1 level or 2 level approval? I am also working with Dr. Yue, and I think (*opinion*) that 1 level approval will probably be very shortly (guess: 2 months, max). Obviously, this doesn't help me out much, but it should enable Dr. Yue to start with the 1 level part of the Activ-L study shortly (90 days after approval).

I would also theorize (as Dr. Yue's office states) that most insurance companies will be hesistant (at best) to cover Prodisc, once approved.

Therefore, for me, personally, I think that my best options are either:

Wait for Activ-L study --or--
Go to Germany

If I were to wait in the U.S. for multi-level Prodisc approval, and then try to get my insurance company to cover for it (UHC), I think I would be in for a long fight (multi-year, probably).

Food for thought...

Edit: For some reason, I keep waiting, thinking that the waiting will be worth it (unlike you, who has already made the decision that I wish I already had made)

David

[Ken (AKA-KP)]

If my memory serves me right they said the pro disc approval will be for two level. The rep from Dr. Yue's office said the insurance companies will probably not cover for a while much like the FDA approval of the charite in 2004 and still no insurance coverage.

[LBP]

Here's a question for all you insurance challenged people like myself....we all know that as soon as ProDisc gets FDA approval...we are at least entitled to file new claims for coverage even if we've already been denied for Charite and may get denied again for ProDisc...but my question is: what if you've already been denied for Charite but now there's a new version of Charite approved with the special coating see

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/script...MA.cfm?ID=5245

Is the new and improved version of the Charite a whole new product entitled to a whole new appeal process again????

And on a related note...for me I am a 2 level...if you've been denied a 2 level ADR (Charite) can I get a whole new appeal process started with a claim for a hybrid Charite and fusion???

[David]

If my memory serves me right they said the pro disc approval will be for two level. The rep from Dr. Yue's office said the insurance companies will probably not cover for a while much like the FDA approval of the charite in 2004 and still no insurance coverage.

I am presuming by "they", that you mean Dr. Yue's office?

If true, that would be some good news in my otherwise dismal life

David