Upcoming surgery w/Dr Zeegers

[vnf]

Henry

Glad to hear things are improving.
I just had injections today in the SI joint because of that same tailbone area pain.
Dr. Zeegers told me that it's probably referred pain from the lumbar area and not the SI joint.
You probably just need more time for your muscle's to relearn where they are supposed to be and actually learn to relax again.
Don't over do it.
Remember that gel pack is your BFF!

Glad to hear you are improving

[henry4956]

Thanks Vicki, really think about you a lot. Don't know if my coccyx will ever normalize, but I cant emphasize enough how much better life is without that awful low back pain

[Maria]

Sounds like you're doing great! With that activity schedule I'd be back in shape in no time Keep up the good recovery!

[henry4956]

I have never been involved in such a messed up, bureaucratic situation. So far they have requested several documents a 2nd and 3rd time and assigned a 2nd case # to my case.

When I talk to the reps at the international phone #, they keep telling me my case is still pending. I was able to have Dr Zeegers fill out a 'Letter of Medical Necessity' that I drafted and which they requested.

The 2 times I called my local BCBS they tell me verbally that because it was 'planned' and not a emergency like a car accident that I am denied. Yet when I ask for a formal denial, they just pass over it and tell me I can appeal. That is nonsense. I will not appeal something in which I have no official letter of denial. Especially when the International people tell me my case is still being considered.

The one good thing is that I've never heard anyone tell me anything about the procedure itself being 'EXPERIMENTAL' like so many others who are denied.

I really think if I just keep after them, one day someone is just going to stamp it 'APPROVED' and pass it on because they want to keep their desk clean.

Stranger things have happened.

[vnf]

Henry

When I called BCBS Worldwide, I told them that I was going for a planned surgery and would I have any benefits for that.
The guy asked me for my member # and said "yes, I do have benefits".
I specifically said "even though it's a planned surgery and I'm not there vacationing and something accidental happens". The guy said yes, I have benefits but a pre authorization has to be done by the clinic.
The guy gave me a case number and I'm supposed to call them back when I have a surgery date. That's as far as I've gone.
I have not called back yet to see what happens next.
I know that just because he says "I qualify for benefits" doesn't mean that they will approve anything.
I'm going to try and get it covered too.
I'm pretty much feeling like US or Germany won't matter and they will still try to deny it for any reason they want to dig up.
I hate them! It's very frustrating.

[henry4956]

Got my 1st official denial today. It was on the basis of not meeting 'medical necessity' criteria. I actually think I will eventually win. If their denial was based on the 'experimental' explanation I would be more discouraged.

[Jim M2]

For sure this is David vs Goliath. David won. I think you will too.

I hope you can get a spine surgeon to write the letter. No doubt that would help. I'm sure I've posted my letter before but here it is just in case you can't find it. I don't know if it will be useful. Several weeks after my surgery I submitted a written appeal (SEE THE LETTER BELOW THE ASTERICKS) requesting to be reimbursed for medical costs. About 50 pages of doctors office notes, radiology reports and all of the bills and descriptions of services from Germany (and in German) were attached to the appeal. Several weeks later I received a check for 89% of the total.

Consider that my employer, not Regence, is the risk taker in my plan. Regence was hired to simply administer the plan. In the end I think the real decision to approve the appeal was made by company management. What were their motives? I don't know, but somehow I feel it wasn't just a bottom line decision. I've found the company to be reasonably fair in these matters. No telling what you're dealing with. I think your Goliath is bigger than my Goliath. The bigger they are the harder they fall.

************************
October 24, 2003

Regence Blue Shield
address
Seattle, WA

Dear Appeals Specialist,

PUPPOSE
I am appealing to Regence Blue Shield and The Company to reimburse me for medical costs of artificial disc replacement (ADR) that were incurred in August and September of 2003 in Munich, Germany. Please respond to this request in writing to the undersigned.


INTRODUCTION
In May 2002 I developed chronic, severely debilitating low back pain. In search of relief I visited numerous physicians including a pain management doctor, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. MRI, X-rays and CAT-Myelo diagnostics all confirmed a collapsed lumbar disc at L5S1. Medications, physical therapy, exercise and severe restriction of activities brought only limited reduction in pain levels. After months of research on the topics of spinal disorders, fusion and ADR I opted for ADR. In August 2003 I traveled to Munich, Germany and had ADR by Dr. Willem Zeegers at the Alpha Clinic.

LETTER OF MEDICAL NECESSITY
I am submitting this letter together with the writings of five surgeons as a Letter of Medical Necessity.

The first three writings are office notes from the U.S. surgeons who personally examined me in 2002 and 2003 prior to surgery. Their names are Dr. Villanueva, Dr. Schlitt and Dr. Krengel. Their office notes are attached. All three surgeons speak of spinal fusion as the primary option to be considered in my case for pain reduction and increased functionality if conservative treatment did not improve my condition.

The forth writing is from Dr. ML Whitworth. His writing is a matter of public record. It can be found online at the Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology discussion forum. A copy is attached. Dr. Whitworth feels "fusion is an archaic barbaric anachronism which is only necessary if there is significant spondylolisthesis or foraminal stenosis..." In the attached writing he goes on to justify this statement, to advocate ADR under protocol and to explain that many surgeons continue to perform fusions for monetary reasons.

The fifth writing is a diagnostic report on my condition from Dr. Zeegers of the Alpha Clinic in Munich, Germany. Dr. Zeegers is the world's leading ADR surgeon. He has performed over 1000 implant surgeries since the 1980s. After examining my MRI, CAT-Myelo, x-rays, radiology reports and patient questionnaire he concluded that I was a good candidate for ADR, pending a personal examination in Munich.

Beyond these writings I read extensively on the topics of spinal disorders, spinal fusion and ADR to ascertain my understanding of the risks and potential benefits of these two medical procedures. My conclusion matched that of Dr. Whitworth and Dr. Zeegers. It was my conclusion that ADR was statistically superior to fusion for pain reduction, improved functionality and better prospects for long term health.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1) ADR at Alpha Clinic costs $20K. It is my understanding that ADR under FDA trials in the U.S. costs $60K. It is my understanding that costs for spinal fusion in the U.S. range from $50K to $80K.

2) Dr. Zeegers is the world's leader in ADR. He has performed over 1000 implants of the SB Charite artificial disc since the 1980s.

3) Surgery was needed in the near term to relieve pain, prevent degeneration of facet joints and to eliminate potential for nerve damage.

4) It stands to reason that European surgeons performing ADR would have a higher success rate when compared to their lesser experienced U.S. counterparts.

MEDICAL ACTIVITIES AT ALPHA KLINIK
On 18-Aug-2003 I departed for Munich, Germany. On 21-Aug-2003 I was personally examined by dr. Zeegers at the Alpha Clinic. X-rays were made of the lumbar spine and discography was performed on levels L2S1. A complete physical examination which included chest x-ray, EKG, breathing and blood test, was performed. I was fitted with a custom made lumbar corset. On 22-Aug-2003 a Charite artificial disc was implanted at the L5S1 level of my spine. I spent four nights in the Alpha Clinic hospital before being released on 26-Aug-2003. Just prior to release from the clinic more x-rays were taken to verify placement of the implant. An ultrasound test was conducted to verify the absence of thrombosis. In the two weeks after surgery I received two more personal examinations by Dr. Zeegers and five sessions of physical therapy at the Alpha Clinic.


SUMMARY OF MEDICAL CHARGES AND PAYMENTS
Receipts, exchange rates, accounting and descriptions of services are attached. Payments were made by wire transfer and VISA card. Approximately $6K of travel expenses and lodging have been borne by myself.

CHARGES
ITEM EURO
Brace Shop 1,000.00
Anesthesiology 1,540.66
Medical Exam 300.00
Alpha Clinic 10,389.90
Surgeon 4,371.52
Ultrasound 88.27
Physical Therapy* 450.70
-------------------------
Total 18,141.05

PAYMENTS
ITEM EURO US DOLLAR
Wire Transfer 15,256.97 17,250.00
VISA 1,000.00 1,101.76
VISA 1,345.11 1,481.98
VISA 88.27 97.25
VISA* 350.56 393.34
VISA* 90.14 101.14
-------------------------------------
Totals 18,131.05 20,425.47

*Discrepancy between charges and payments for physical therapy appears to be a clerical error where Alpha Klinik billed my VISA 350.56 Euro instead of 360.56 Euro.

CONCLUSION
Regence BS and The Company are requested to pay $20,425.47 to employee "First M. Last" to meet their obligations as his health care provider. Please respond to this request in writing to the undersigned.

Sincerely,
First M. Last

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