The decision to have a stress test is left to the discretion of your cardiologist. Like any procedure, a thorough pre-operative workup is required for your safety. This includes general medical clearance, as well as any specialty clearance that is deemed necessary (depending on any pre-existing conditions). This would likely involve some sort of cardiac workup in the face of known cardiac issues, regardless of age.
Archive for the ‘General’ Category
For an elderly patient with known heart blockage, is a stress-test necessary for a micro-invasive hip replacement (SuperPATH)?
Saturday, May 19th, 2012Are your procedures covered by Medicare and AARP Medicare Supplement?
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010Q: Considering your hip and knee surgeries: Are the procedures now covered by Medicare and AARP Medicare Supplement? One article on your website from 2009 said they are not covered by Medicare.
A: Yes, all of my procedures are now covered by Medicare & all insurances in the same fashion as any standard procedure. The article you are referring to is out-of-date, and the coverage issue has been addressed. I am sorry for any confusion.
Medical tourism – a joint replacement in 1 week
Saturday, August 28th, 2010Q: Can I fly in the day before surgery, then fly home the day after?
A: Even though your hospital stay will likely be 24hrs, I will require you to make a 1 week commitment for your safety:
- Fri – initial clinic visit (physical exam, xrays*, pre-op workup) & pre-op assessment in hospital
- Sat – free time for you (allows for arranging of patient appropriate implants, and allows for last minute testing, if required) Many of my patients use this time to see the Grand Canyon, Sedona, visit spas or do local touring & shopping.
- Sun – free time for you
- Mon – surgery
- Tues – discharge from hospital
- Weds – recover from hip replacement, enjoy Arizona, focus on walking
- Thurs – recover from hip replacement, enjoy Arizona, focus on walking
- Fri – 1 week clinic follow-up (xrays & wound check), likely return flight home
*Your initial visit with me will require new xrays to allow for digital planning of the surgery.
Medical tourism – setting up the visit
Saturday, August 28th, 2010Q: Do you treat patients from out-of-town?
A: Flying to Phoenix for surgery is not only feasible, but it is becoming routine in my practice. I have established relationships with local hotels to make this easier. Once I accept you as a patient, our office will contact you regarding all of the necessary pre-operative steps. This will involve a visit to your primary care physician to “clear” you for this surgery (this is essential to ensure that your trip to Phoenix is not wasted). Once you are “cleared” by your local physician, our office will work with you to schedule a surgical and visit date.
Medical tourism – needed information
Saturday, August 28th, 2010Q: If I am traveling to see you, what information do you need to accept me as your patient?
A: I will need to see 2 main items prior to being able to accept you as a patient:
- Imaging – xrays, minimum 2 views (pelvis & lateral views are preferred for hips; ap, lateral & sunrise views are preferred for knees). Recent MRIs will be necessary for arthroscopic procedures only.
- Most recent medical records (history & physical)
You should establish a rapport with my staff prior to your visit. They will help you get any further necessary items to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Billing & insurance coverage
Saturday, August 28th, 2010Q: Is your surgery covered by my insurance? Does your office verify what is covered by insurance well in advance of any procedures?
A: We accept all insurances except one access plan called “Care First”. Our office authorizes all procedures in advance with the appropriate payer.
SuperPATH total hips bill identically to that of a standard total hip replacement with all providers, including Medicare. Likewise, MAKOplasty knees bill identically to any partial knee replacement, and patient-specific total knees bill identically to that of any total knee replacement.
Any further billing inquiries should be directed to our billing department. I try to distance myself from the finances for ethical reasons.