Back in July I test drove new devices to see if they would work for me. The
Bioness L300 Go are electrical stimulation (FES) foot drop and thigh weakness
devices that provide freedom and independence for people recovering from
Stroke, Multiple, Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, or
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. The good news was that they worked, but the bad
news was that they are costly, and insurance does not cover them. We submitted
the claim to our health insurance provider, and we received the denial stating
that these devices are not considered a medical necessity. Why is it that
devices and/or procedures that can and will improve the quality of life of the
patient are considered “not medically” necessary?
This creates a difficult decision of finding a way to pay for the devices at
the cost of $5530 each ($11,060 total for both legs) or just doing without
knowing that these devices can mean the difference between regaining more
independence by improving and rebuilding neuropathways and proprioception. In
speaking to the representatives from Bioness, most patients are left in my
situation of having to pay for the devices themselves or giving up on their
dream of walking with better stability, control, and better overall body posture.
The L300 made walking easy and light not heavy and stiff like it is
normally. It senses when my foot and leg are getting ready to push off and move
forward. The sensor sends an electrical signal to my foot/ankle causing the
device to activate and lift my ankle thereby flexing the foot and lifting the
ankle and toes preventing the foot from dragging. Because of the SCI (Spinal
Cord Injury) I also lost proprioception along with balance. The signals that go
from my lower extremities to my brain and back are interrupted because of the
damage to my spinal cord. In order to regain more stability my body must
rebuild and create new neuropathways. This where these devices can help. As the
devices send the signals to my legs, my brain and body engage via the new neuropathways
being developed. Over time these new signals turn into sustained signals allowing
the body to adapt and rebuild balance and proprioception. They also allow for
better posture and body mechanics as the patient is not hunched over a walker, the
hips and thigh muscles are more engaged allowing the legs to do their job
reducing the stress on the knees and ankles.
The cost of these devices makes them out of reach for most patients as they
are not covered by insurance. There are alternatives such as financing them or
paying for them via credit cards. I believe that more patients should have the
opportunity to obtain such devices, but until these devices become more
affordable or insurance companies start recognizing these devices are “medically
necessary” they will remain out of reach for most patients. As for me, my
family and I have decided to order my devices and appeal the decision of our
insurance company. We know that the likelihood of getting reimbursed is next to
none, but the benefits of using the devices far outweighs the cost.
Once I receive my devices I will move on to the next step. I will meet with
a representative from Bioness where my devices will be fitted, tested, and set
up. I will be taught how to work the devices, how to care for them and charge
them. I will also return to physical
therapy for about 8 sessions working with the devices making sure that they are
set to the right frequency and intensity so that I gain the best possible
outcome.
It is my hope that over time I will improve to the point where I will not
longer need any devices. But for now, I will continue to keep moving forward,
and praying every step of the way. God continues to bless me even through the
pain.
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