It's a shame VSI doesn't participate in/accept insurance, and are de facto "out of network" for everyone. While lessens the practice's administrative headaches, it also significantly limits the patient pool to those who have the means to pay out of pocket (which isn't most of us). I dropped the $$$ for a consult with Dr. Schuler many years ago, but it was clear there'd be no way I could afford the suggested procedure. All the fancy treatment sounds great on paper, then reality kicks in for the majority of folks out there....and we wind up getting stuck with a fusion anyway.
Thru a chat, I requested a call for some preliminary information about whether or not procedures I was interested in could be done, since I already had a double ACDF in my cervical spine. “Erin” was more interested to know about my insurance. As soon as I said my primary was Medicare, she immediately informed me they were not taking any new Medicare patients. I told her my supplemental insurance already told me they would cover anything (up to my deductible) that Medicare would not cover, but I was told that, since they had a contract with Medicare, they could not help me (WTF?). Also eligible for VA assistance, they still don’t want my business. If you are on Medicare, don’t waste your time here.
Respect to Dr Good for pushing disc replacement when appropriate. The Germans are much more forward in there thinking, almost always there will be 2 levels affected because the US waits to long to stop it from progressing! You don't wanna go back through the abdomen and scar tissue for the level above, if it's on the fence do it then!! Lp-esp is the king of ADR hands down!
I need to call and make an appointment. I have been diagnosed as having anklyosing spondalitis, although I don't have the gene for this, and I want my life back.
I'd be looking for biologic treatments first with that. I know someone who was not tested for hla-b27 first, they fused both her SI joints then found out after she had A.S. Not good !!
It's a shame VSI doesn't participate in/accept insurance, and are de facto "out of network" for everyone. While lessens the practice's administrative headaches, it also significantly limits the patient pool to those who have the means to pay out of pocket (which isn't most of us). I dropped the $$$ for a consult with Dr. Schuler many years ago, but it was clear there'd be no way I could afford the suggested procedure. All the fancy treatment sounds great on paper, then reality kicks in for the majority of folks out there....and we wind up getting stuck with a fusion anyway.
Thru a chat, I requested a call for some preliminary information about whether or not procedures I was interested in could be done, since I already had a double ACDF in my cervical spine. “Erin” was more interested to know about my insurance. As soon as I said my primary was Medicare, she immediately informed me they were not taking any new Medicare patients. I told her my supplemental insurance already told me they would cover anything (up to my deductible) that
Medicare would not cover, but I was told that, since they had a contract with Medicare, they could not help me (WTF?). Also eligible for VA assistance, they still don’t want my business. If you are on Medicare, don’t waste your time here.
This lady needs to sound a little more engaged lol
Respect to Dr Good for pushing disc replacement when appropriate. The Germans are much more forward in there thinking, almost always there will be 2 levels affected because the US waits to long to stop it from progressing! You don't wanna go back through the abdomen and scar tissue for the level above, if it's on the fence do it then!! Lp-esp is the king of ADR hands down!
I need to call and make an appointment. I have been diagnosed as having anklyosing spondalitis, although I don't have the gene for this, and I want my life back.
Our scheduling experts would be happy to discuss this with you. You can call our office at 703.709.1114 or email us at mycare@spinemd.com.
I'd be looking for biologic treatments first with that. I know someone who was not tested for hla-b27 first, they fused both her SI joints then found out after she had A.S. Not good !!
@@brians2328 I've been on Humira for a year and a half now. Went to the rheumatologist today and he said he's going to put me in physical therapy.
@@VSI_SpineDo you use the TOPS system for Spondylosis?