Greetings. PLEASE HELP ME with getting a Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement in the Washington DC area.

[mccauleyjw]

Greetings to all,

My name is John. I am 47 year old male living in Alexandria, Virginia

I am Self Employed and have CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield for my medical provider.

I started Chiropractic treatment in 1990 for lack of natural curve in cervical spine and degeneration if disc. Treatments fairly effective in pain reduction. However, I was told at that time that surgery maybe needed in the future and it would be in my best interest to hold off as long as I can for newer technologies.

I saw Dr. Simon Fishman, in October 2010, for numbness in left arm and weak left tricep. An MRI was ordered along with EMG testing. MRI reported the following findings: Discogenic disease, resulting in central canal and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing at C5-C6 and central canal and left neural foraminal narrowing at C6-C7. Findings at C6-C7 may account for patient's left-sided radicular symptoms. EMG tests support MRI finding.

I Saw Dr. Charles J. Riedel, Neurosurgeon, Arlington Virginia in March 2011. Dr. Riedel recommended Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) of the C-6 and C-7 or Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement. I have been informed that he has done many ACDFs, but only 10 to 20 Cervical Artificial Disc replacements using the Prestige Artificial Disc.

I would like to have an Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement. I do not want ACDF or any type of fusion. However, CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield states that Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (procedure code 22856) is still considered experimental at not covered. Although I feel Dr. Riedel maybe a good surgeon, Dr. Riedel's staff is not willing to assist me in getting CareFirst BC/BS to approve a Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement, stating that ACDF fusion is my only choice.

I have waited nearly 20 years in pain for a newer technology and to avoid fusion. There is no doubt in my mind that Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement is much better that fusion. However, I cannot find a doctor that can help me get this procedure approved. I am worried that permanent nerve damage may occur if not treated soon.

Can anyone recommend a good surgeon in the Alexandria/Washington DC area that accepts CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield and is "Pro" Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement that will also assist in getting the procedure covered by my health insurance.

Thank You,

John

[Justin]

Hi John,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

With long-standing cervical spine issues, do you know what your facet joints look like in your cervical spine? Have you eliminated them as pain generators?

There are many spine surgeons in the Virginia / DC area.

Here's a couple of links from the Insurance and Travel Forums here at SPS:

• Washington DC Metro Area Surgeons & Spine Clinics
• List of Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) Surgeons

Good luck and please keep us posted!

[mccauleyjw]

Hi Justine,

I am not sure what the facet joints look like in my cervical spine. For many years, I have pain in my neck that radiates down my left arm. Over that last several years, there has not been much pain. Now I have extreme weakness/numbness in my left tricep and left hand. The doctors state that my C6-C7 disc has DDD and pressing on my spinal cord and nerves.

I did find the list that you mentioned and looking at several doctors. It appears that Dr. Paul McAfee in Maryland is for Artifical Cervical Disc replacement over fusion.

Although this can be an uphill battle, SPS has given me some more options.

Thanks,

John