"A Grave Error" with Prodisc Implantation in Germany

[Crystal33]

Dear Anastasia,
I hope, as the years have passed, that you are managing better with the physical and mental pain. It is a sad reflection on our world that money is often placed above people and that this extends into the medical industry. It is likely that some doctors should not be doctors because they are personally more motivated by greed, ego, arrogance than genuine care for patients.

I am no doctor, but the MRI of the oversized metal disc in your spine looks terrifying. It is SO tall. In my opinion, a doctor should lose his license and be prosecuted for doing that. The patient should receive their money back and be given the best help in the world at no cost without delay...not be ignored and left incapacitated by pain and shock.

In Australia a surgeon dubbed "Doctor Death" was recently convicted of manslaughter of a number of patients over several years. Initial complaints about him were brushed off and swept under the carpet. Another doctor recently amputated the wrong leg of a lady. The principles of medicine have been compromised, at times corrupted, by a system that places money above patients, and overly protects doctors in the process. It needs to be changed.

[Job13]

RIP Freedom of Speech

[Crystal33]

This story expresses concerns and includes reference to a case where girl is suing over ADR surgery gone wrong, but on US soil. Don't know what the outcome was. The medical industry should be reformed to eliminate conflict of interest, in my opinion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/30/bu...00&oref=slogin

[Job13]

RIP Freedom of Speech

[dshobbies]

Before heading off to Germany myself - Dr. Regan offered to do my then, 4 level hybrid surgery. As a cash patient, Cedars wanted 75k for a 3 day hospital stay. (They refused to bill my ins co for the single level fusion. All costs were my sole responsibility) We waited a few weeks because the CCDH was scheduled to open for surgery in August/Sept '05. If we could agree on costs, I was going to be one of the first surgical patients and they wanted me there, assuring me they could do better than Cedars. Wrong - they wanted 50k more.

Not to dismiss what happened to Anastasia which we all agree is/was abominable, including business class airfare for 2, Mark's fees, hotels for 3 weeks, a 9 day hospital stay - my costs were 60k American. 55K for 15 minutes of operating room. Something is terribly wrong with this system.

From my 2 cents - CCDH hoped to cater to the rich and famous, refusing to accept certain ins. I guess not enough of them needed hospitalization. Also, many American back surgeons who further specialize (like Dr. R) refuse to accept insurance limited payments, further adding to the cost. IMHO, I don't blame many doctors but there should still be a happy medium.

[Job13]

RIP Freedom of Speech