ProDisc C C6C7 scheduled for 3/16/10

**TheBeantownKid** · 02-18-2010, 11:06 PM

y Hello all

Im new here. Only 22 years old fighting a nasty herniation at c6c7. Dr Pedlow out of Mass General thinks a ProDisc C will do the trick and we have it scheduled for march16. That will most likely change due to my lovely insurance BCBS of MA. Im more scared of the anesthesia than the procedure. I really hope I can convince bcbs to pay. My doc told me if i have a fusion theres a 3 percent chance a year that the adjacent levels will be subject to a accelerated degeneration. By the time im 52 there would be a 90 percent chance. Well thats part of my plea to blue cross. I hope the texas letter will help. If anyone else has approval letters I would really appreciate a blacked out copy. Well off to bed. Just had to vent.

**Justin** · 02-18-2010, 11:48 PM

TheBeantownKid,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry to see you struggling with spine issues at such a young age. I had a 2-level lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery in 2003 at the age of 23. I wish you the very best with Dr. Pedlow on March 16th. Let me know if you want to talk.

**sportsnut3007** · 02-21-2010, 06:46 AM

Good luck with the surgery. It does suck that insurance companies are being slow to pay for adrs in those who obviously need them. Also, on here they have those who have had adr and had success in getting insurance to pay for it. You can look around and find people with letters of approval, thus you can present that insurers have covered it before. Also, if insurance doesnt cover it, you may see if there are any clinical trials comparing the pro disc to other newer discs.

**Justin** · 02-23-2010, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by TheBeantownKid

y Hello all

Im new here. Only 22 years old fighting a nasty herniation at c6c7. Dr Pedlow out of Mass General thinks a ProDisc C will do the trick and we have it scheduled for march16. That will most likely change due to my lovely insurance BCBS of MA. Im more scared of the anesthesia than the procedure. I really hope I can convince bcbs to pay. My doc told me if i have a fusion theres a 3 percent chance a year that the adjacent levels will be subject to a accelerated degeneration. By the time im 52 there would be a 90 percent chance. Well thats part of my plea to blue cross. I hope the texas letter will help. If anyone else has approval letters I would really appreciate a blacked out copy. Well off to bed. Just had to vent.

TBTK,

It was great to touch base the other day. You have your ducks in a row and I suspect you will be successful with reimbursement. Don't forget those procedure codes.

**Dave** · 02-23-2010, 08:05 AM

TBeanTKid,

I sent a reply to your PM. I should be able to get you the documentation in a couple days.

As you know, I had a two level Prodisc surgery in June of 2008. I feel great, except for my lower back, but that's a new story. Recovery is relatively quick and easy with cervical ADR versus lumbar ADR. It will be a breeze for a young lad such as yourself. IMHO, which is as laymen as you can get, ADR is your best route. Fusion at your age....., well, I would go for ADR.

Peace be with you.

**cheryl stewart** · 02-23-2010, 09:21 AM

I wish I had the income to go to Germany and get ADR...Insurance won't pay for it here. It's not like you can get a loan. And Care Credit won't finance me for more than $5,000.00
I am happy for those who can afford it, but very envious at the same time.