BC Medical and Hip Resurfacing - a challenge

[Guest guest]

Does anyone have any information on BC medical paying for hip

resurfacing in Alberta? We understand that Dr Jim McKenzie of

Calgary is my husband's only chance for a resurfacing and after his

appointment last week, he said that Alberta ceased to pay for this

procedure until there is a better record of it's success.

BC said the resurfacing is not on their list of 'approved procedures'

therefore not covered. Besides, BC Medical won't pay for any

procedure in Alberta that isn't an emergency, even if there isn't a

surgeon in BC who will perform the surgery.

We are ranchers, faced with a severe income crunch in light of BSE.

Can you help us get approval for this procedure? My husband's hip is

quite bad, and he should have this done as quickly as possible.

thanks for your help!