Posted by John Behle on May 23, 2003 at 21:30:35:
In Reply to: Re: 30 years - progressing from one hour to 10 days - 60% of the time posted by Carol on May 23, 2003 at 19:46:00:
I wouldn't write off insurance so quickly. Though I didn't qualify for normal health insurance, many of the people here - probably most - have been approved by their insurance companies. Some of the doctors and their staff have also been very helpful in helping to educate and convince the insurance companies.
There are more advances every moment on the "minimally invasive" procedures (non open heart).
I wouldn't take no for an answer and from what it sounds like, you are talking to some people that really have no clue what they are talking about. Calling a catheter ablation an experimental procedure is even more naive than those who call the MAZE experimental.
Catheter ablations have been around for MANY years. I had my ablation ten years ago and it wasn't new then. The difference is the ways the ablation is being done and advances in technology, mapping, etc.
Keep us informed on your progress.
Also, you might want to post your situation on the top of the board as a new message. I know I have read of several here that have struggled to successfully get covered by insurance, but I can't think of who. If you post as a new message, they can see it easier and jump in with their suggestions.
All my best, John