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  #1  
Old 05-17-2005, 06:06 PM
Kim Kim is offline
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Hey there
I called TBI today to ask about the new Kineflex clinical trial. I have been approved for ADR 2 levels but have yet to get insurance to agree to pay for the surgery. I thought this might be a way to have the surgery and get it paid for.
I was told that they were not sure the company would cover the surgery or not since they have not gotten all the paperwork on this and that many times in the past they had not paid for the surgery itself.
What has been the experience of those of you that have had surgery during the trials here? Did your insurance or you have to pay for the surgery itself?
I have been in the medical field for over 20 years and have never heard of a clinical trial where the patient was responsible for part of the cost of the treatment. The drug companies frequently pay a stipend for time and travel for the patients undergoing thier clinical trial studies. I am not interested in this but found it very strange they would expect you to undergo an experimental surgery and still pay for it?
Thanks for any help in advance
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Kim
Herniated disc L5/S1 2000 Discectomy 10/2003 Rhizotomy 8/2004 and 3/2005Discogram 11/04 grade 7 tear L5/S1
L4/L5 Grade 5 tear with herniation and stenosis
Evaluated by Dr Blumenthal at TBI
2/2005 ADR 2 level recommended
2 level lumbar fusion
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  #2  
Old 05-17-2005, 07:54 PM
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Harrison Harrison is offline
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Kim, many folks like me pay for the surgery, the mfr (Depuy in my case) donated the disc (appr. $11,000 depending on market conditions!).

I think you saw my earlier posts on this disc, I posted an email from the president...suggest you email him directly to inquire about this.
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Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004
Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006
Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012
Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate
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  #3  
Old 05-18-2005, 02:30 AM
myprodisc myprodisc is offline
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Kim

The sponsor paid for my discs, my insurance paid for the procedure. The sponsor will also pay my travel if/when I can't combine the trip with business.

Scott
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  #4  
Old 05-20-2005, 01:40 PM
Nichole Nichole is offline
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Kim,

I talked to Eileen at my doc office about what you said regarding have to pay for the Kineflex study. The person that informed you gave you incorrect information. The Kineflex study is covered 100%. There are no costs to the patient what so ever. If I were you I would call Eileen and she can explain it to you.

Nichole
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Seattle,WA

ADR June 15, 2005 WOOOO HOOOOO
Herrniated L5-S1, Tear in Annulus
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  #5  
Old 05-20-2005, 08:36 PM
spotty14 spotty14 is offline
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I think that's the way it hsould be if your volunteering for a clinical trial. Before I was disqualified I spent countless hours trying to get 2 different insurances to pay for the surgery/hospitalization.
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7/05 EMG/Nerve Conduction Tests
8/04 Disqualified from ADR clinical trial due to severe osteoporosis -- getting treatment
3/04 updated MRI
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1/2000 Discogram
numerous epidural injections
physical therapy
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  #6  
Old 05-21-2005, 01:57 AM
Kim Kim is offline
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Thanks everyone for the info. To be fair to TBI they have not gotten very far with this and did not have a lot of info on it yet. That being said I have not been very happy with the way they handle things there and are very lax in imparting any information or help to the patient to find out anything.
I have called and left Eileen a message Nicole but have not heard back from her. I may try to call her again on Monday.
Thanks again everyone this has been very eye opening
Kim
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Kim
Herniated disc L5/S1 2000 Discectomy 10/2003 Rhizotomy 8/2004 and 3/2005Discogram 11/04 grade 7 tear L5/S1
L4/L5 Grade 5 tear with herniation and stenosis
Evaluated by Dr Blumenthal at TBI
2/2005 ADR 2 level recommended
2 level lumbar fusion
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  #7  
Old 05-27-2005, 03:06 PM
Nichole Nichole is offline
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Kim, if you dont hear back from her by next Wednesday send me a email and I will call my interanl connection there and try and get the scoop-di-whoop!
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Nichole
Seattle,WA

ADR June 15, 2005 WOOOO HOOOOO
Herrniated L5-S1, Tear in Annulus
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  #8  
Old 05-27-2005, 07:08 PM
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Harrison Harrison is offline
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Kim, Nichole -- good luck with everything and thanks for the info. If you have any more helpful links or info on the Kineflex, pls share!

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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org
Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004
Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006
Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012
Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate
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  #9  
Old 05-27-2005, 09:16 PM
JL JL is offline
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Hi Kim, The other day I got it from the top, the Kineflex trail will exclude two levels. Bummed me out big time too. On an human note about the doctors office staff, I think they are overloaded so badly, they are swimming and is an area I learned that a little sugar goes a long way.
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(Bill) 14 yrs L5-S1 pain & tear
Discography 2003 DDD
10 yrs. chiropractic
6-14-05 L4/5 & L5/S1 Prodisc Yale New Haven CT Dr. James Yue
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  #10  
Old 05-28-2005, 10:25 PM
Linda Linda is offline
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Kim,

I had a 2 level ProDisc in the trials at TBI. The discs were donated and my insurance paid the rest. I live in the Dallas area and regularly see 2 of the docs there, one for my neck disks and one for my lumbar disks. If I can do anything to help you with answers, let me know. I know quite a few of the staff at TBI. Sometimes dealing with them over the phone can be very frustrating. They are really busy. The docs are good though. Let me know if I can help.

Linda
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Linda

10-02 - ProDiscs L4/5 and L5/S1 - FDA study - disks placed incorrectly which
caused problem at L3/4 and L2/3
01-05 - ProDiscs at C5/6 and C6/7 in Germany - seems to be working fine so far
Bedbound from 09-06 until 10-08 due to severe pain and weakness
09-08 - Had Fibrin sealant done at L3/4 and L2/3 After 6 weeks - much success!
Hoping and praying that the lumbar revision surgery that was scheduled with Dr. Regan
can be indefinitely postponed
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