This is a long story, but I would be very wary of this outfit. I met with Dr. Laali last Tuesday, 8/3. I explained my symptoms, and with no examination, evaluation, X-rays, MRI's, etc. was told I was a great candidate for spinal decompression, and my problem was with my C-5 disk. Ironically, the presentation that the Dr. had on his monitor was already right there when I came in his office. I tried to be thorough in my situation, even how I thought I possibly could have aggravated my neck with a massage unit I purchased at Brookstone, but the doctor skillfully took everything back to the need for spinal decompression. He told me they would even do a no-cost treatment for me that day, for which I was grateful, as I was in substantial pain. We did the treatment, I didn't notice much, which I was told was normal because of the low amount of weight, 30 lbs. I think, but that would increase over the course of the treatment. I did feel some mild pulling.
After the treatment, I was ushered back into the doctors office, where he was prepared to provide me with a treatment program specifically designed and tailored to each patient. (that's funny, there was nothing specific or tailored about this pre-printed form with only my name, the date, and the cost written in).
Here is where it really got strange. The doctor told me that everything on the page, examinations, re-examinations, TENS Unit, Trigger point injections, joint injections, spinal adjustments, therapeutic rehabilitation, bracing, blood work/labs, all would be covered by insurance, the only thing not covered was the spinal decompression itself. He said, and I loosely quote "spinal decompression used to be covered by insurance, but since the affordable care act took place, it is no longer covered". I thought that to be odd, but I trusted him that he was being honest with me.
My cost, for 24 total visits, was to be $3,576. That is the amount of the patient responsibility. There were also payment options, pay up front, save 15% and the cost was only $3,039.60. There were other options, and even financing options.
I told the doctor I needed to think about it, he did not try to pressure me, which gave me some comfort.
I asked him what else I could do or what he would recommend besides this program, he said this is really my only, best option. They could do some adjustments and rehabilitation, but this process has a 90% success rate. I told him I would think about it.
I went on the internet, started reading about the process, and other things I could do for relief. Started lightly exercising my neck, and used hot and cold alternate treatments, took Aleve, and slowly started feeling better.In fact, each day got better.
On Friday, while I was still having some nagging pain, I was really improved. However, I was still strongly considering this treatment program, after all, who wants to live with neck pain or take any chances. On a whim, I sent a message to my Insurance provider, Aetna (I supplied this when I checked in here, they made a copy of card), and they replied back that they did cover this treatment at 90% after meeting my deductible.
That is when I got even more suspicious!
I had made an appointment with Spine Team Texas for today, 8/9/2016. I almost didn't keep it, because by now, I was really feeling pretty close to normal, just some tightness. However, again not wanting to take any chances, I kept the appointment. The doctor did a battery of field tests, range of motion, etc. and said she was very confident that this was a joint issue and inflammation not at all a disc issue, and recommended that I keep doing what I was doing. She said a disc problem would be showing other obvious symptoms that were not present, and that I likely aggravated my neck with the massage unit I told her about.
So, long story short, be wary, and be warned. I am not going to make any accusations, other than to say I believe that I was not being treated honestly or with integrity, and that in my condition of needing relief from pain, I was being preyed upon. Get a second opinion, and trust your instincts. read more