[dshobbies]

Bluejean,

Dr. B is just about the best. You will be in good hands.

Yes, it's normal to pay in advance with his office. We all did.

So far, to the best of my knowledge, you can't expect reimbursement from ins co. Don't let this stop you from trying though. They all approve fusion! We all ask ourselves why but hey, they're not as concerned about you as they are with your money.

A lot of us went to Germany for surgery. Aside from traveling and having to go to a hotel for post surgery recoop, the German health care is very superior. I was very needlessly concerned.

Don't know about Canada but you can't do better than Dr. B. I'd stick with that decision.

A neuro or ortho are equally qualified if they specialize in the spine. But you have to remember, there are good and bad in all fields, just as in other occupations. Select carefully.

One thing you didn't ask, the medical care in Germany exceeds that in the U.S. Not only will the surgeon take good care of you, so will the nurses. Dr. B's staff is required to take English lessons so with the exception of the food, you shouldn't have any problems communicating.

You might want to give Mark a call... globalpatientnetwork.com

Wishing you the best of luck, Dale