KNEEtalk

The LIBRARY => NOTES - Surgical Procedures => Topic started by: Ejc1010rn on April 22, 2015, 12:57:21 AM

Title: Denovo transplant
Post by: Ejc1010rn on April 22, 2015, 12:57:21 AM

Hello,
My doctor and myself decided to go with the de novo transplant. I am now waiting on insurance approval. How long did it take to get approval and how long for cartilage to be available?? I have been out of work for 2 months, the nurse said it can take 1month for approval,mis this true and accurate?? I am ready for the surgery so I can rehab and get back to work!!
Help!!

Title: Re: Denovo transplant
Post by: willrunagain on June 25, 2015, 04:51:33 PM

Did you get approval yet for Denovo?  I was told by my OS that very few insurance companies will cover it at all.  That is why surgeon recommended cartiform.  It is an osteochondral allograft with a very limited bone portion.  It is stored in a freezer for up to 2 years so there is no waiting on a donor.  It only took 3 weeks for my insurance to approve it.  I will be having the surgery in late August.  I waited 3 months just to get a denial letter for Denovo from the same insurer.  Plus it doesn't hurt that all the recent studies prove Cartiform is superior to Denovo.  A histological study gave the tissue morphology rating of cartiform a 91/100 and only a 25/100 for Denovo.  The choice is pretty clear to me.