Ans: $100k is just my rough estimate. To be fair, I probably should say between $50k - $100k, based on the various #'s that I have seen posted here from others.
If the cost of a Charite disc is approximately $12k here in the U.S., and I need two, then I am starting with a base cost of at least $30k (again, just estimating, based on Charite).
Danielle: thanks for the input. I think the crucial things to keep in mind (that I keep telling myself) are:
a. It costs less to have a German surgeon do the procedure, even factoring in travel, accomodations, and food (even comparing $50k to my estimate of $30k - $35k estimate of the German "route")
b. The German surgeons are *much* more experienced.
c. If I really wanted to go the U.S. route, I would probably be waiting longer to find a qualified surgeon to do the procedure, especially if I wanted to go the prodisc route (as far as I know).
Honestly, I think my decision has already been made. I just think it helps me talk it through with others....
David
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47 years old
Surgery: 14-NOV-2006; Straubing, Germany (Dr. B.)
L4-S1: Prodisc
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