Aug 4, 2016 | Blog, Procedure Outcomes, Regenerative Treatments, Uncategorized
…StemCell ARTS has created a Facebook Patient Discussion Forum?
Our goal is to create an open discussion forum for patients who are interested in, or have had, the regenerative procedures performed at StemCell ARTS. Comments will be available to the public. This patient forum will allow patients who have completed consultations with one of our StemCell ARTS physicians to speak with other current patients to help them decide if our regenerative procedures are right for them. In addition, the forum will facilitate an open discussion between patients who have had, or are undergoing, regenerative procedures at StemCell ARTS. They can share their experiences to help eachother through the treatment and recovery process.
The discussion topics and reference materials contained are intended for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for diagnoses or treatment, but rather for discussion with others who have similar questions and concerns regarding our procedures. The information provided is not intended to diagnose health problems, or take the place of professional medical care. The answers in this discussion forum should, in no way, be considered specific medical advice. DO NOT stop or modify your treatment plan without consulting with your physician.
Click here to join the group
Jul 14, 2016 | News and Events, Procedure Outcomes, Regenerative Treatments, Staff Articles
Currently insurances are not recognizing regenerative treatments as a covered service. Although multiple studies have been conducted, and data has been collected, the procedures are still considered “new” and “experimental.” As a result, this leaves patients with a choice; do they opt for a more invasive and sometimes problematic surgery, which is covered under insurance, or do they choose conservative regenerative treatments that are out of pocket? Although they both can be extremely successful, surgery vs. regenerative treatments always raises the question, “is the reward worth the risk?”
For many patients, surgery seems like the best option for pain relief. All of the office visits are covered, along with the surgery and post-surgery rehab. Patients are left to worry about little, other than their recovery. It may seem like insurance has everything covered, but patients still have their copays, high deductibles and coinsurances to worry about. Even though it seems like insurance carries the majority of the cost, most patients find themselves paying a large portion of this “covered” procedure out of their own pockets.
Recognized as a non-covered service, regenerative treatments offer patients the risk of out of pocket expenses, but the reward of non-invasive natural treatments that require little to no down time. New biological treatments offered at StemCell ARTS use the body’s natural healing mechanisms to treat various musculoskeletal conditions without the need for surgery. As a newer treatment in medicine, these procedures, though well supported with data, are currently not covered under any private insurance company.
Although the full cost is the patient’s responsibility, the Regenexx Protocol used at StemCell ARTS is a perfect example of “you get what you pay for.” With our in-office state of the art lab, we are able to offer patients the most advanced regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal conditions. Our technicians are able to isolate and concentrate each blood and stem cell sample to obtain the purest and strongest product, giving patients the maximum benefit with the minimal amount of treatments.
Before making any decisions or commitments, patients can schedule an initial consultation with one of the physicians at StemCell ARTS to have a comprehensive evaluation. StemCell ARTS participates with the majority of major insurance companies and the initial consultation visit, along with any follow ups, are submitted through the patient’s insurance. The patient will be responsible for their co-payment and deductible while in the office, and the remaining bill will be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.
The pricing for each procedure is based on the area being treated and the procedure being performed. As a general range, the procedures can run between $1,000 – $7,500. Following the consultation with the doctor and a treatment plan has been established, patients will receive more information regarding an exact price.
If you have been recommended to have an invasive surgery and are interested in exploring other options, call our office at 703-738-4381 to schedule an appointment with one the StemCell ARTS physicians.
Jul 7, 2016 | Knee, Procedure Outcomes, Regenerative Treatments, Stem Cell Procedures
An ACL tear, sustained during a high school lacrosse game, threatened to derail Kellyn Kusyk’s career aspirations of continuing her sport, competitively, at Yale University. Kellyn’s mother, Dr. Casey Kerrigan, specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Kerrigan was aware of the risks associated with ACL repair surgeries and wanted to avoid surgical intervention, if possible. She knew that it is difficult to completely repair the ACL back to its original integrity. Another major drawback was the downtime and rehabilitation that would follow surgery. Following Kellyn’s consult with StemCell ARTS, she began her first stem cell series of injections to treat her left knee ACL tear. Both Kellyn and Dr. Casey Kerrigan were so impressed with the successful results of Kellyn’s Stem Cell Therapy, they returned approximately 8 weeks later for a second set of injections to ensure that she was in peak condition as she prepared for her career as a collegiate athlete.
Jun 30, 2016 | Procedure Outcomes, Prolotherapy, PRP, Sacroiliac Joint Pain, Spine and Neck, Testimonials
A female patient has followed Dr. Benjamin Newton from Boulder, CO to Philly and, now, to StemCell ARTS in McLean, VA. She receives PRP and Prolotherapy injections for low back issues, SI joints, and facets. The patient reports that each time Dr. Newton has injected the affected area, she is virtually pain free within 24 hours and back to normal activities in just a couple of days. After finishing her last procedure, the patient dealt with airport travel, including delays and sitting on the tarmac for 45 minutes prior to departing. The patient took one pain reliever to get home and hasn’t had any since. Not even Tylenol. The patient explains, “I believe in the power of regenerative medicine and my hope is that many more people will know more about this very effective option in overcoming injuries or arthritis instead of life altering surgical intervention.”
Click here to read the patient’s previous Facebook post
Sep 1, 2015 | Osteoarthritis, Procedure Outcomes, PRP, Stem Cell Procedures
There are so many positive aspects to stem cell therapy. One of the most exciting developments in stem cell treatment is its use for treating arthritis in the knee. For decades, the standard treatment for debilitating knee pain has been knee replacement surgery, which utilizes a metal and plastic prostheses to replace lost cartilage and damaged bone. Regenerative medicine therapies, such as stem cell and platelet treatments (PRP) applied at StemCell ARTS, encourage the growth of new tissue utilizing the body’s natural healing systems. These techniques make regenerative medicine therapies a noninvasive option that can achieve pain relief results as good as, or better than, standard knee replacement surgery.
Prior to selecting the use of stem cell therapy, one question that many candidates ask is: Will my age affect whether or not I can or should have this procedure? The answer is simple. No. When conducting stem cell therapy treatments on patients, age does not matter. That’s right. Patients who are good candidates for regenerative medicine such as stem cell and platelet therapies are suitable candidates regardless of their age.
Over the past 4 years, Regenexx has gathered data on over 1000 cases of knee stem cell treatments on patients to help them understand how well these regenerative procedures impact knee osteoarthritis. The data has shown, in terms of the success and benefits of regenerative treatments, there is “no association between age and doing better or worse” (1). So age does not matter! At StemCell ARTS, we utilize the Regenexx protocols for stem cell treatments with all our patients to ensure these positive results.
The data from the registry looked at two different age groups, those under age 45 and those 45 or older, at intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Across all intervals, the success rates were consistent regardless of the age of the patients. It is important to note that the treatment registry is not the equivalent of a controlled clinical study. Nevertheless, the data shows that patients are reporting good results from the Regenexx procedure.
Why Doesn’t Age Matter?
Because stem cell therapy uses the patient’s own stem cells as a catalyst for healing, these stem cells act as a ‘booster’ for the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the body to do what it has been designed to do naturally. This extra boost is a huge benefit to older patients, since in most cases the speed and strength of the body’s natural healing ability has slowed with age.
Age is typically not a factor in our regenerative procedures because the Regenexx treatment protocols call for changes that take into consideration the patients age. This means that each patient receives a customized approach specific for their age. Other factors such as the type of injury, the severity of the injury, the activity demands of the patient also call for changes in the standard protocols. All of this makes the Regenexx protocols the very best treatments available to help your body heal. No matter what your age!
If you are suffering from knee arthritis or any of the other orthopedic injuries treatable with stem cell therapy, you are encouraged to speak with one of our doctors. A regenerative procedure could give you the pain relief you are looking for.
Sources:
- Regenexx – https://stemcellarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Regenexx-SD-Infographic-Does-Older-Age-Impact-Knee-Outcome.pdf
