Fees for evaluations

[Cheryl0331]

Hello all, I haven't written in some time. I emailed for an evaluation from a German surgeon. They want $1000 USD just to evaluate my symptoms. I am reluctant only because I need to conserve my money for travel and surgery should it be determined that it can be done. I have already been turned down by two US doctors for hybrid surgery. I understand and appreciate that it's best to evaluate a person and not just a set of films. I see the value in an expert opinion, I just am affraid of paying that money before knowing 1. if they can do anything 2. how much they charge for surgery ie. one level two level ect. Out of all the doctors listed here; does anyone know what they usually charge now: 1. Dr. Bierstedt 2. Dr. Bertagnoli 3. Dr. Zeegers and 4. Dr. Clavel Thank you, Cheryl

[Throttlejockey]

Our experience with Dr. Clavel is that we sent all of our stuff (MRI, X-Ray, CT Scan, EMG and written reports) via Dropbox. He evaluated it and had his staff confirm a initial diagnosis and confirm our eligibility for a 2 Level ADR with the M6.

Then after that we had a 45 minute Skype Consult with him. We paid 180 Euro for the consult prior to the Skype conversation. The 180 Euro was then deducted from our final surgery bill.

A 45 minute doctors consult in the US would run about $40 with insurance, and probably a lot more without. So I think it is a fair number given that he is probably spending about 1 to 1.5 hours reviewing your case, spending time with you, not to mention staff time.

With your symptoms I highly recommend that you seek input from one or more of these folks listed. They simply have the most seasoning and experience with clinically challenging cases.

TJ

[Cheryl0331]

What was you total cost for the two level? I have been advised one level at c 6/7. I do have my films on Dropbox. I have sent an email to Yolanda and Anna at BSC but have not had a reply. I have been quoted 25,600 euros from one doctor using the M6-C and 21,392 euros from another suing the Pro-Disc C-Nova (feels that it will proview more stabilty for the facets than the M6. It would be my luck that I wll go spend this money only to have the FDA finally approve hybrid surgeries here! Anyway, I was thinking that the M6 would provide more chusioning to prevent adjacent level issues to the T1. Isn't it the levels below fusion that take the most stress or is it both?