The promise of regenerative and cell based medicine is staggering and research to date points to astounding potential. The problem clinically is that the field has been defined by anecdotal evidence. My particular interest is restoration of function for those who are impaired by arthritis, the loss of cartilage; and the painful limitations associated therein. What makes the situation more difficult is that until there is a clinical research database, Medicare and private indemnification will not cover expenses associated with Platelet Rich Plasma and Autologous, Mesenchymal, Bone Marrow derived Stem Cell management of arthritic joint clinical therapy or research.
I personally will not offer Regenerative Care unless there is scientific research to support such treatment. With the publication last year of a pilot study showing positive results by injecting Platelet-Rich-Plasma into the knees of patients afflicted with primary and secondary arthritis, I began a similar clinical program in my practice. By the end of this month, I will have met with four different orthobiologic companies requesting research funding for IRB co-coordinated studies of bone marrow concentrate-stem cell-management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Keep reading my blog to learn of who, what, why, when, and how I will expand my Regenerative Medicine initiative?
How though will you be able to cover your health care costs if there is an “out of pocket” requirement whether it is for PRP, BMC or any health care treatment? CareCredit, a GE Capital subsidiary, provides a flexible, convenient way to pay for healthcare needs. My practice is enrolled with this patient financing alternative because of low monthly payments, ease of establishing a line of credit, and an opportunity to allow patients acceptance of my recommended procedures when Medicare and private indemnification won’t cover the cost. My interest was piqued when a patient wouldn’t allow herself the potential benefit of PRP explaining she would have to delay treatment because it was an Uncovered Health Care Cost. To learn more, about patient financing, go to www.carecredit.com. To continue the Regenerative Medicine discussion, earlier today I submitted my first grant request concerning a clinical trial with Bone Marrow concentrate.