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Though clinical research is limited, anecdotally, docs are excited by the out-
comes. Dr. Dugas says he estimates more than 80% of patients who had stem
cell injections during knee arthroscopy would get them again, and up to 90% of
rotator cuff repairs — which typically have a 50% to 60% success rate — have
seen positive results. "More and more surgeons are getting involved," he says.
"We just don't know exactly where it fits in yet."
Although stem cell use is becoming more popular with both surgeons and
patients, Mr. DeConciliis notes that reimbursement problems and high costs pre-
vent more widespread use. Requiring up-front payment from patients for these
alternative treatments can help, he says, at least until you work out reimburse-
ment with your payors. "We've done a few more stem cells now," says Mr.
DeConciliis. "You can bill for some of the codes associated with it, but it's chal-
lenging to do so, and it can be very cost-prohibitive."
OSM
E-mail kgapinski@outpatientsurgery.net.
