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Cost of Nerve Stimulator
By Kerrie | August 5, 2005
I should have addressed this before I waxed poetic about my stimulator. . . . The device and surgery are expensive and upkeep, like changing the battery, means more money spent over time. I know patients who have spent between $40,000 and $60,000 for the trial and implant combined. Some people pay out-of-pocket, some people are able to use insurance, and others join clinical trials, so they don’t have to pay anything.
A lot of people on forums have said that their insurance companies are pretty cooperative. If a company won’t cover the procedure specifically, many will still pay surgery and doctors’ fees. I’ve been told that a hospital prefers to have insurance cover the device so they know that they won’t get stuck with the bill when the battery is changed or if you have problems with the device that require surgery.
Tax breaks can cover quite a bit. If you spend more than 7.5% of your income in a given year on medical expenses, you qualify for a deduction on your federal return. You may also qualify for a state deduction.
One way I justified the cost is that if it helped me so much that I was able to work, my additional salary would cover the initial outlay. This hasn’t been the case yet, but I did get some pleasant surprises in tax breaks and insurance payments. Even if your insurance company is incredibly generous, it’s a lot of money for a "solution" with many unknowns.
Topics: Nerve Stimulation, Treatment |
August 5th, 2005 at 9:06 am
For the past several months, I’d been considering the possibility of getting the occipital nerve stimulator for my intractable migraine. Still, my research isn’t complete, but the above information on the financial ramifications is most helpful. I know now that unless my insurance covered it, I would be unable to pay for it myself.
I was wondering if the Blog author or anybody knows if the occipital nerve block has a simular effect to the nerve stimulator. I know the occipital nerve block is only a temporary thing, lasting 3- 4 months. But to my thinking that would be no big deal—I’ve never been afraid of shots, and would only have to go back 3 or 4 times a year on a quick out-patient basis. Also, importantly, I know for a fact that my Medicare insurance does cover the nerve blocks.
With me, if I could get my pain level down to a daily 3 {on the 1-10 pain scale)— that would mean I would be able to work again, at least part-time. Presently, with potent pain medication, I am holding my own with a daily 4 or 5, but the pain medication becomes less effectime as time wears on. Living alone, I am barely able to keep up with my basic daily chores as things stand. And my social life has suffered terribly at a daily level 5.
All I want to do it seems is nurse my head in my “spare” hours. But I am hopeful that with the advent of neurostimulators and improved technology, that there is a future for all of us Thom and Jayne PAYNES.
Regards
Thom Payne -or-
August 5th, 2005 at 11:05 am
Franco,
The two treatments operate differently, but nerve blocks can be effective in treating headaches. That’s really all I know. Talk to your doctor about a nerve block and if he or she thinks it will help you.
-Kerrie
October 10th, 2005 at 2:34 pm
Hi Thom, I couldn’t help but feel paina nd discomfort while reading your entry - I know you wrote it months ago - but I hope I can still help you. I have an occipital nerve stimulator for the third year in a row. The first two years were symptom free, the device worked perfectly without any difficulty whatsoever. Last month, wile slated to get the usual one-year unit, I entered the surgery dept. when I was surprised with the news that they were giving me the 7 year one. When I was in recovery, they tried to program it, but found it was defective and I went under the knife again a month later. I have been back and forth to the doctor’s office to turn in faulty programming devices and to have the system programmed because there was some kind of glitch. No one has been able to give me an explanation as to why this happened. I am both furious and depressed about this. It has been a long battle. I had a Medtronics unit the first two years, no problems with either unit. I now have an ANS (note, not with my approval) and it has been nothing but trouble. I’m thinking of writing the FDA. I can’t see your questions/comments right now (not a computer guru) but I hope I’ve shed some light on the subject. Mind you, I am not sure whether the responsibility falls on a shoddy surgery team or a company with a faulty ONS. Be well. Feel free to write me. Jane
March 15th, 2007 at 2:00 am
I had the stimulator implanted a week ago in London, so far all is well with the migraine side. But the discomfort i am having with the pack in my tummy is making me stress, i thought once the clips were out it would be better but i am so uncomfortable.
Has anyone else has this discomfort and if so will it go and if so how long will it take. Many thanks Jennie
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I can’t remember how long the pain was intense, but the area was sore for at least six months. When I told my doctor that the surgery and battery gave me more pain that I expected, he told me that most patients say that.
I hope your pain doesn’t last too long. I’m glad to hear that all is well on the migraine front.
Kerrie
October 29th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Ive had the new mini ANS stimulaterin for occipital neuralgia or severe migraine, for 12 days. Not much improvement and alot of jaw pain. Has any one else had this jaw pain? It has helped a little maybe 20%.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:06 am
I have had an occipital nerve stimulator for a year now. I was having severe rt sided headache 24/7 for 2 years. I have had about 85% relief of my headaches with the stimulator. I do have occ soreness at the generator implant site in my chest, but that is more to do with my activities.I also have a connection that has been loose since shortly after implant that causes some stimulation at the generator site, but I have gotten used to it and hardly notice it anymore. It was decided to leave it alone until the battery needs changing rather than risk other surgical problems. I would definitely do it all over again.