Re: spinal stimulators

[Guest guest]

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Thanks for your help.

hi bijoul

the device jerry lewis had implanted in called an internal tens unit.

sometimes it will help sometimes it wont it has been around for years the main

problem is that insurance companies dont want to pay for it because they still

consider it expermental but it has been around for years

debbie

[Guest guest]

Debbie wrote:

the mainproblem is that insurance companies dont want to pay for it because

they still consider it expermental but it has been around for years

---------------------

My HMO (which usually denies everything!) had no problem approving the

spinal cord stimulator. So at least some insurance will gladly pay

for it, rather than paying for additional surgery.

I did the trial where they implant the leads but leave the battery

pack outside your body for a few days, but it didn't work for me and I

didn't go through with the full implantation. I found the stimulation

uncomfortable, and they weren't able to adequately cover my pain.

Others have excellent results with them - primarily for pain in the

legs. It won't help back pain generally.

Cheryl in AZ

[Guest guest]

Debbie wrote:

the mainproblem is that insurance companies dont want to pay for it because

they still consider it expermental but it has been around for years

---------------------

My HMO (which usually denies everything!) had no problem approving the

spinal cord stimulator. So at least some insurance will gladly pay

for it, rather than paying for additional surgery.

I did the trial where they implant the leads but leave the battery

pack outside your body for a few days, but it didn't work for me and I

didn't go through with the full implantation. I found the stimulation

uncomfortable, and they weren't able to adequately cover my pain.

Others have excellent results with them - primarily for pain in the

legs. It won't help back pain generally.

Cheryl in AZ

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. I JUST had this done. I had the trial done on May 10th, and the

final implant on the 17th. I have never been happier! As far as insurance

companies go, I think getting approval depends on A LOT of things. I'm 32 and

have had chronic pain for 12 years. Obviously I was a candidate right away, and

I had no trouble getting the approval. Also, my case if Work. Comp. (I am an

injured worked) and I can tell you that they approved everything very quickly.

My case handler was very cooperative and said they would rather pay for this

than to pay for other treatments that obviously did not help me. In all honesty,

the biggest problem I had was finding a surgeon I liked and who would work with

Work. Comp. Once that happened, everything went well.

My suggestion is: Never Give Up! NEVER. Insurance companies tend to say no

immediatly, figuring no one will argue with them. I wanted a breast reduction

done about 6-7 years ago and I was denied for 6 months! They didn't care about

my medical history, bad problems etc... I didn't give up. After 6 months of

fighting and letters from ANY Dr. who would one, they gave in.

Good luck to all.

-theresa