Prodisc-L Device Cost?

[Dulishun]

I have actually itemized the costs because I need to pay for it myself. F U United Healthcare. Surgeon $7,000, Vascular $1,800, Anesthesia $2800 (extra $2,000 if post surgery pain block IV necessary). Now gets the tricky part. The hospital tells me that their cost is $45,500 (3 days in patient), but that the device is $32,000. I think it is a deflection to overcharge by blaming the device. The problem is that nobody seems to know what Synthes sells it to the hospitals for. By the way, these are all "discounted" because it is self-pay. Thoughts?

[jessmith07]

I would send all of your info to Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany. My quote from him was about 35,000 euros (about $45,000) for a 2 level lumbar ADR with Prodiscs. 12,000 euros for the surgeon, 10,500 euros for 6 days in the hospital, 9,000 euros for 2 implants and about 3,000 euros for misc stuff.

20+ years of ADR experience...priceless.

Hope this helps.

[mmglobal]

Worst I've seen in US was 70,000 Euros to a company that brought racks of discs to OR for size selection... I don't think it was a serious bill and I don't know what was eventually paid, but I've seen the 4500 Euro/disc for a long time. US prices are all over the place. High volume hospitals get way forable pricing and can pass on the savings.

Mark

[dshobbies]

Hi Dulishun and welcome to the forum,

Doesn't sound right to me. I too was a cash patient and shocked at my discounted prices Germany for me was about 1/2 price for a 3 day hospital stay. I ended up staying 9 days and hate to even think about what an American hospital would have charged me.

Who's your surgeon? Said it many times in the past, the primary concern is your choice of doctor. You have only one shot at success so choose carefully.

What's your circumstances?

Good luck, Dale

[chasswen]

in germany 3 yrs ago i was charged 5,500 euro about 6,500 usd
chuck

[Dulishun]

Hi Dale,

I have a herniation and annular tear in the L5S1. Over the last 4/5 years I have had over 10 epidurals, PT, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and lost about 30 lbs. No change. I basically have pain everyday that ranges from medium to severe. Quality of life sucks. My surgeon is Artur Pacult in Charleston, SC. While not well known on these boards, I have done a ton of research on Dr. Pacult and spoken to nurses, other physicians, physical therapists and former patients and the guy is meticulous. I seriously considered the German angle, but when all is said and done there just isn't anyone else I want doing the surgery. I have gotten discounts from Vascular, Anesthesiologist, Neurosurgeon and hospital and will end up paying a little more than $50,000. Maybe when all is said and done I can use the points on my credit card from paying this stuff to take my wife and two little ones (4 and 6) on a nice trip and introduce them to what their Dad was like before the pain. Time will tell. I am going under the knife Tuesday at 8:00AM. WISH ME LUCK!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Surgery date 5-26-09

[Kathy]

Congrats on a surgery date. Sounds like you did your research and made the BEST decision for you, this is the most important factor. Will be praying for a speedy recovery for you, Kathy

Originally Posted by Dulishun

Hi Dale,

I have a herniation and annular tear in the L5S1. Over the last 4/5 years I have had over 10 epidurals, PT, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and lost about 30 lbs. No change. I basically have pain everyday that ranges from medium to severe. Quality of life sucks. My surgeon is Artur Pacult in Charleston, SC. While not well known on these boards, I have done a ton of research on Dr. Pacult and spoken to nurses, other physicians, physical therapists and former patients and the guy is meticulous. I seriously considered the German angle, but when all is said and done there just isn't anyone else I want doing the surgery. I have gotten discounts from Vascular, Anesthesiologist, Neurosurgeon and hospital and will end up paying a little more than $50,000. Maybe when all is said and done I can use the points on my credit card from paying this stuff to take my wife and two little ones (4 and 6) on a nice trip and introduce them to what their Dad was like before the pain. Time will tell. I am going under the knife Tuesday at 8:00AM. WISH ME LUCK!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Surgery date 5-26-09

[jane1111]

Dulishun, You will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and an end to your pain.