So back to my latest appointment with the 2nd neurosurgeons PA... she stated that for my condition (low pain, minor strength/nerve/muscle loss, crushing pressure, numbness & tingling in feet & legs) They would have me do anything that doesn't hurt, recommend swimming for conditioning & when a major flare-up occurs to come in and see the physiatrist who can determine if its nerve damage/pain or pain from the flare-up & if nerve damage then he would send me to the surgeon for an emergency surgery to see if they can save the nerve as much as possible.

She said this is the only way that the insurance will pay for it.

Does this sound like standard practice?

Any thoughts would be great... take care... Dave!

It all depends on the insurance company. I remember when I had the epidural shots years ago in my back. I really needed a nerve block. They knew it would not work but had to do the set of three before they could give me the nerve block. Only way insurance would pay. I had a friend that had hernia surgery. They would not pay for the doctor to put the mesh in. First he just sewed it up. Of course it tore again and then my friend needed the second surgery to put the mesh in. The insurance companies think they are saving money. In the long run they are paying more because in the end after all the treatments, people still need surgery. I think they figure we will just give up and it will save them money. I'm fighting to get more back therapy. They feel I am not getting better fast enough so they will not approve any more visits. In the long run they are paying more because now I need pain meds. If I win my appeal I will have to have therapy longer then I would have because they set me back. So anything is possible. The doctors usually know what the insurance companies expect.

Wow... what a racket... no wonder everyone always b*tches... I never really knew waht a pain it is to deal with the medical profession... just like fricken lawyers... thanks!

Take care... Dave!