Dr. Schmalzried sent me the following email:
Blue Cross of California is conducting a forum to discuss a coverage decision on hip resurfacing. The criteria for the "data" that they consider acceptable has a number of limitations. Blue Cross has recently come under fire for large rate hikes - now there is the potential for a reduction in services.
I just found out about this last Wednesday and the forum is this Wednesday, June 2, in Los Angeles - but I will not be able to attend due to my surgery schedule. I am trying to increase patient / public awareness of this pending issue. Would be great to have some patients / prospective patients turn up at the forum.
Here is a link to the technology forum. It will be at the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Blvd. in L.A. this Wednesday. It would be great to have patient / public showing. I appreciate your support. Best wishes. Dr. Schmalzried
http://www.ctaf.org/content/calendar/detail/1048 (http://www.ctaf.org/content/calendar/detail/1048)
WOW! Maybe I just got mine done in time
As I understand, Dr. Amstutz addressed the people at this meeting and they have reconsidered covering hip resurfacing.
Vicky Marlow, patient advocate, posted the following note on June 3, 2010 on Yahoo Surfacehippy:
"AWESOME news!! Dr. Amstutz ROCKS!! Looks like he kicked some serious CTAF butt yesterday, so much that they CHANGED Their recommendation, something that rarely happens! I will try to post more details later. But it looks like resurfacing WILL still be a recommended option for patients under age 65 as long as they go to an experienced resurfacing surgeon."
Nice !! Amstutz did my right .. .Schmalzried is doing my left on the 28th !