Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Hi: I am also a radiologist and I agree with the medical comments. However, other orthopedic surgeons in the US and elsewhere in Europe and Australia have had excellent results. My left hip degenerated in only three years with complete loss of cartilage. Dr. Vail had no concern about the procedure. He told me that the principal problem is related to the diameter of the femoral neck. It is adequate in most men but can be difficult in small framed women who are somewhat greater risk of post op fracture. The main problem in the US has been insurance coverage. I had my Surgery at Duke (Dr. Vail 3/31/03 and was home in 2 days, back to work on day 17. Duke gave me a 15% discount for cash. I also negotiated an an additional discount for the physician charges. This ultimately resulted in a final cost to me of about $21,000 BUT WAIT!!! I fought the insurance company administrator at all levels including review by the NC insurance commissioner and LOST. BUT WAIT!!! They (BCBS of NC) were not the real insurer. I made multiple complaints through my group (THE NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL SOCIETY) and they investigated further. Finally the advisory board to the real insurance company agreed to cover me. I have now been partly reimbursed through a complicated process and ultimately my cost will be around $3-4,000). The process is still ongoing (almost a year later). I only traveled a 75 minute drive from my house to have the procedure done. I'm going skiing in Colorado Feb 20th (& celebrating my 59th birthday). The C+ or the Cormet will probably be approved in the US in the next year or so. Once that occurs the others will quickly be approved and the insurance companies will pay. Canada will soon follow. Many insurers in the US are paying for the procedure. Any of the orthopedists who are doing resurfacing now are satisfactory. DeSmet is fine but he can't be the only operating surgeon for the whole world. This procedure is not mystical. Tons of other devices have gone through the same process and are now routinely used everywhere. So find a resurfacing orthopedist and go for it! in North Carolina > > I have been diagnosed with the following a year ago: > > > > Right Hip: " There is quitemarked degenerative change of the hip with > > joint space narrowing, sclerosis of the articular margins and > > subchondral cyst formation within the femoral head. A collar > > ostephytic spur is seen about the femoral head. > > Impression: Degenerative change of the right Hip > > > > My own GP here in Calgary is suggesting I may not be eligible for hip > > resurfacing because the hip might be too damaged. I am on a waiting > > list to see Dr. Jim McKenzie in Calgary in early 2005. I am in the > > process of geeting new xrays done for Dr. Treacy in England. > > > > I know everyone is different but has anyone had a similar diagnose > > and what does it mean. For those of you who have gone to Belgium for > > the procedure, can you tell me approximately how much it costs to get > > a BHR there? I am very frustrated with the whole medical system > > right now. > > > > Please help. > > > > Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 > I have been diagnosed with the following a year ago: > > Right Hip: " There is quitemarked degenerative change of the hip with > joint space narrowing, sclerosis of the articular margins and > subchondral cyst formation within the femoral head. A collar > ostephytic spur is seen about the femoral head. > Impression: Degenerative change of the right Hip > > My own GP here in Calgary is suggesting I may not be eligible for hip > resurfacing because the hip might be too damaged. I am on a waiting > list to see Dr. Jim McKenzie in Calgary in early 2005. I am in the > process of geeting new xrays done for Dr. Treacy in England. > > I know everyone is different but has anyone had a similar diagnose > and what does it mean. For those of you who have gone to Belgium for > the procedure, can you tell me approximately how much it costs to get > a BHR there? I am very frustrated with the whole medical system > right now. > > Please help. > > Chris its about the cost of buying car if you get a couple hips done by Dr DeSmet (20-22k round trip for 2 for 10 days) try to borrow the cash if you dont have it and make payments. Do what ever you can to go see Koen. sell your house if you have to! good luck, jeff bilat 1/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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