Scheduling for cervical ADR surgery, questions

[Bluejean]

1) I am scheduled for surgery in late May in Germany for 2 level ADR, possibly 3 Levels. I would like know if anyone out there has had success with insurance reimbursement. I have a PPO and have been approved for a 3 level cervical fusion in the USA.

2) The hospital in Germany wants to be paid in advance, in full, 3 weeks prior to my surgery. Is this normal?

3) What are the pitfalls anyone could share with me on this future experience and having surgery done out of the USA?

4) So far I've decided to go with Dr Bertinolia for my neck surgery. Any info on him.

5) What about Canada, do they offer ADR? If so, how long have they been doing it? Good Doctors?

Thanks

6) Is a neuro Dr better qualified then an orthopedic Dr for cervical surgery?

[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

[mmglobal]

1. Insurance issues are still a nightmare... most providers will not pay for ADR. Occasionally I see patients successful, but for the most part... we are still self paying.

2. I know scores of patients who have gone to Bertagnoli (and have been there with dozens... including my wife 4 weeks ago!) Yes... payment in advance is the norm.

3. This is a long conversation... feel free to call me. (While this is my business and I charge for my time... I'll spend 1/2 hour with you no charge.)

4. As far as I know, with cervical ADR, he's the most experienced. I've seen him do amazing surgeries.... look at Bradley's 6-level cervical procedure on the GPN website.

5. Canada was pretty slow on the uptake with ADR. I'm sure that they have some experienced surgeons, but I don't have any info on them.

6. I don't pay attention to neuro/ortho.... I want to deal with someone who only does spine and has a great deal of experience with what I need. I also prefer dealing with surgeons who have a complete toolkit and have great experience in many types of surgery.

Good luck... I'll probably miss you by a few days... I'll be back in Straubing/Bogen in mid-June. All the best,

Mark

[Bluejean]

Thanks for the answers. I wonder if there isn't anything I could do prior to my surgery in order to have more of a chance for reimbursement in the future?
Thanks Bluejean

[dshobbies]

You should find out first if you're covered for elective surgery out of this country. I was not but hoped that since my ADR coverage was declined that I could use the excuse of not being able to afford U.S. costs. This didn't fly either but if you're not covered, with the exception of emergencies, abroad, I don't think you'll have any success for reimbursement.

Don't let any of this stop you from trying. One day the door will finally be open and maybe in time for yours!!!!!