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Radio Frequency Ablation
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Lexalayne1 posted:
I've been receiving this treatment since'07 at the Cleveland Clinic, with needles inserted on both sides of my neck (5 each side, 2 separate procedures). It's purpose is to "burn" nerve endings in the neck and stop pain signals, as I understand it. For me it lasts a bit longer than a year and has been a God send. 10 years prior treatment with pain killers led to hell on earth.

The procedure is outpatient, fairly quick, somewhat painful, but only because you need to confirm when they've hit a nerve. Once the needles are in place they send electric current through the nerves, which for me blocks pain signals.

It has alleviated chronic neck pain and also most of my joint pain. Dr. Cheng gave me hope when I thought there was none.

Unfortunately, only 1 side has been done this year.....seems there's a problem between my insurance company and the Cleveland Clinic or the office staff won't confirm receiving TWO letters authorizing a procedure they've done for 5 years now. That is Until my agent did a conference call and MADE her confirm receiving the fax. Maybe has something to do with the fact that while I pay for my own health insurance I have a high family deductible plus high personal deductible and also qualify for assistance. The 1st procedure this year took 4 months to authorize (usually 2 weeks) and according to the insurance company they haven't bothered to send authorization for the other side. And yes I'm on the same expensive plan only to keep having this done.

Teaching hospital that also files under charitable. Really, tired of the stupidity of the current staff member who keeps pleading IGNORANCE.

But as far as the procedure and my Dr it's done wonders for me. And if anyone knows how to cut through all this red tape please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

ALEXA KIRSCH
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Radio Frequency AblationI've been receiving this treatment since'07 at the Cleveland Clinic, with needles inserted on both sides of my neck (5 each side, 2 separate procedures). It's purpose is to "burn" nerve endings in the neck and stop pain signals, as I understand it. For me it lasts a bit longer than a year and has been a God send. 10 years prior treatment with pain killers led to hell on earth. <br><br>The procedure is outpatient, fairly quick, somewhat painful, but only because you need to confirm when they've hit a nerve. Once the needles are in place they send electric current through the nerves, which for me blocks pain signals. <br><br>It has alleviated chronic neck pain and also most of my joint pain. Dr. Cheng gave me hope when I thought there was none. <br><br>Unfortunately, only 1 side has been done this year.....seems there's a problem between my insurance company and the Cleveland Clinic or the office staff won't confirm receiving TWO letters authorizing a procedure they've done for 5 years now. That is Until my agent did a conference call and MADE her confirm receiving the fax. Maybe has something to do with the fact that while I pay for my own health insurance I have a high family deductible plus high personal deductible and also qualify for assistance. The 1st procedure this year took 4 months to authorize (usually 2 weeks) and according to the insurance company they haven't bothered to send authorization for the other side. And yes I'm on the same expensive plan only to keep having this done. <br><br>Teaching hospital that also files under charitable. Really, tired of the stupidity of the current staff member who keeps pleading IGNORANCE. <br><br>But as far as the procedure and my Dr it's done wonders for me. And if anyone knows how to cut through all this red tape please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. <br><br>ALEXA KIRSCH
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bpcookie responded:
I had a Pudendal nerve RFA done a few weeks ago. I am patiently waiting to see if it worked or not. They told me it would probably take a month for me to feel any better.

When you have had your RFA's done, how long does it take for you to feel any relief?

Also, about the problem your having with the clinic. I had the SAME problem. I had to call them over and over again and eventually I did a three way call with them and my health ins.

Take care.
Report This| Share this:Radio Frequency AblationI had a Pudendal nerve RFA done a few weeks ago. I am patiently waiting to see if it worked or not. They told me it would probably take a month for me to feel any better.<br /><br />When you have had your RFA's done, how long does it take for you to feel any relief? <br /><br />Also, about the problem your having with the clinic. I had the SAME problem. I had to call them over and over again and eventually I did a three way call with them and my health ins.<br /><br />Take care.
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