Microdiscetomy surgery costs?

[paps]

I've been suffering with a herniated disc for the past 6months or so and the pain has gotten so bad that I can barely walk unaided.
I've been referred to a neurology specialist and plan to have the surgery, but I've been told there is a 3-4 month wait. I can't carry on like this and can only get 6 weeks paid sick leave so ill quickly end up in financial bother if I'm forced to wait.

Any ideas how much a micro discectomy would cost privately? I'm in oxfordshire if that makes any difference.

Thanks

[steveT350C]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-151782/M...


Link suggests £2K, which does seem a bit cheap to me

[ctdctd]

This any good?

http://www.medicalcaredirect.co.uk/si_treatment-so...

Never used them, no idea if they are any good - just a link I saved when I was looking at costs.

[mph1977]

amnd what happens with the infrequent but known sequalae of spinal surgery ? the one private SIU in the UK does not take acutes.

[paps]

Thanks, I saw that daily Mail article, but you're right. It does seem a bit too cheap. My other half seems to think it'll be closer to £5k.

[paps]

Thanks

[steveT350C]

paps said:

Thanks, I saw that daily Mail article, but you're right. It does seem a bit too cheap. My other half seems to think it'll be closer to £5k.

I have tried to find the relevant NHS HRG code, but failed. Very rough guide is to double, or even x3 the reimbursement given to an NHS hospital for the procedure.

[Graculus]

I herniated my L5/S1 about two years ago so you have my sympathies, the pain is unimaginable. I was unable to walk and developed a dropped foot.

Like you, I was referred to a neurosurgeon who I already knew (I supply surgical equipment to the NHS & Private sector). He confirmed the diagnosis by MRI (have you had this done?) and then discussed the options available, including surgery which would be his last resort. However, before any intervention, I moved in some way causing myself a split second of agony but was then almost pain free! Recovery took some time but, gradually, things returned to normal.

Unfortunately, a few months ago, my symptoms returned. This time we decided to go for Steriod Epidural Injection performed under Fluoroscopy (this ensures correct positioning of the injection). Within minutes I was experiencing relief and I was back to work with two days, feeling better than I had for nearly two years. That was two months ago and things continue to improve although it may not work for everyone.

This is an option you may wish to discuss with your surgeon although you may need to be referred to a pain management specialist (probably an Anaesthetist). You should be able to access this service more quickly than surgery or at a much lower cost than surgery should you wish to pay privately. Even if surgery becomes necessary it may buy you some time and allow you to continue working.

Finally, depending on the site of your injury, if you experience bladder or bowel issues (Cauda Equina Syndrome) then your condition must be treated as a medical emergency.

I hope you get a solution soon.

[paps]

Yes, had an MRI back in September when I was still able to walk. That showed a significant bulge in the L4L5. I saw the specialist and asked about the injection but she said that there was a 6 week wait and no guarantees it would help, and that I wouldn't be able to go on the surgery wait list until they'd done the injection and seen if it worked. She recommended just to go straight for the surgery.

[davhill]

paps said:

Yes, had an MRI back in September when I was still able to walk. That showed a significant bulge in the L4L5. I saw the specialist and asked about the injection but she said that there was a 6 week wait and no guarantees it would help, and that I wouldn't be able to go on the surgery wait list until they'd done the injection and seen if it worked. She recommended just to go straight for the surgery.

She isn't wrong. I had three goes with injections. Two worked, reducing the pain by about 40% for three months. Injection no. 3 was a triple level job (3 needles at once). I personally saw the nerve root well bathed in lidocaine and steroid...it did seven times the square root of Foxtrot Alpha.

I had two elective discectomies but developed fibrosis - scar tissue replaced the prolapsed disc material. Then, I got an implanted neurostimulator, and op 4 put it's electrode in the right place. It helps; I'm no longer a painkiller zombie.

Positive - worth the wait and the ops really aren't so terrible, you're in bye-byes after all.
Negative - I can't be fixed any more, save for a fusion, which could be problematical with the scar tissue thing.

PS, I was told any kind of full fat spine op costs £10K. The MyStim cost £13K and the second electrode/lead set was an extra grand. I'm clearly worth it and even have scrap value!

[steveT350C]

Primary microdiscectomy of lumbar intervertebral disc is an Exradurnal intermediate spine procedure.

HRG code - HCO4C. - £3,284.

This is how much an NHS hospital gets paid for the procedure, and the relevant code. Private hospitals will be very aware of this.

Edited by steveT350C on Monday 6th January 08:47

[nutcase]

I had this operation privately in June (Nuffield, Guildford) and I think it ran to about 6k including the MRI beforehand and 2 nights in hospital

[wingspan]

I had to pay £3500 private 12 years ago. 2 to 3 days in hospital recovering.

[wingspan]

I had to pay £3500 private 12 years ago. 2 to 3 days in hospital recovering.

[steveT350C]

Based on NHS reimbursement and subsequent posts, I would suggest about £7000 for this procedure to be done privately.

[numtumfutunch]

your local private hospital will almost certainly have a fixed price package for this, the cost of which is just a phone call away.......

or try an email:

http://www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/treatment/treatment...

COI: none

[paps]

Thanks for the replies; my OH called and got a ball park figure of about £6k privately. I've decided to go out to Cyprus to the op done. My brother had the same procedure done about 15yrs ago. I figure with the cost of the flights etc it'll still be cheaper overall.

Does anyone have any experience of getting physiotherapy from the NHS following a private procedure?

[The_Doc]

paps said:

Thanks for the replies; my OH called and got a ball park figure of about £6k privately. I've decided to go out to Cyprus to the op done. My brother had the same procedure done about 15yrs ago. I figure with the cost of the flights etc it'll still be cheaper overall.

Does anyone have any experience of getting physiotherapy from the NHS following a private procedure?

What happens if you have a complication? Be quite careful about medical tourism. Your Cypriot surgeon is not going to come over to the UK and advise you on getting it sorted, more to the point how do you know if he's any good?

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but please consider these points before choosing the cheaper option many hundreds of miles away.

As for NHS physio, your GP will be able to refer you for this after the operation is performed. Make sure you have an operation note for the treating team.

[paps]

The_Doc said:

What happens if you have a complication? Be quite careful about medical tourism. Your Cypriot surgeon is not going to come over to the UK and advise you on getting it sorted, more to the point how do you know if he's any good?

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but please consider these points before choosing the cheaper option many hundreds of miles away.

As for NHS physio, your GP will be able to refer you for this after the operation is performed. Make sure you have an operation note for the treating team.

Yes I see your point. I met with a surgical team today and discussed the issue. Got an MRI scan done (€250) which confirms that my situation has worsened since the last MRI in September.

The surgeon trained at Brown and Harvard and is a professor, I've read up on him and he seems pretty good.
To be honest I don't think it'll be that much cheaper because this hospital looks very fancy and up market. I've come to Cyprus because I have family here to look after me so it seemed like a good option. We'll see.

[dandinha]

Hi all,

My mum needs to do this surgery urgently and I am actually fundraising for it - in Brazil costs can reach £40k and their NHS queue might take up to five years Any donations and shares would be greatly appreciated. She needs to do the surgery asap.

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/savemymum

Many thanks in advance,
Danielle