Going for Tulsa Pro

Posted by paulcalif @paulcalif, Dec 29, 2024

I've posted here a few times over the last year and have read most of the posts from others. I was diagnosed in January 2024 through an ultrasound biopsy (it should have been MRI guided), followed by a PSA test CT scan, MRI, and Decipher test. My cancer is not aggressive, but there are three growths in my prostate. My doctors recommended a full ablation, and I’ve decided to go with the Tulsa Procedure at UCLA with Dr. Steven Raman.

I’ve waited until now because I believe Medicare will begin covering the procedure on the 1st. of 2025. Earlier this year, I switched from a Medicare HMO plan (Blue Shield) to Original Medicare with a supplemental plan, where Medicare covers 80% and the supplemental plan pays the remaining 20%. It’s been incredibly difficult to determine whether Medicare will actually cover the procedure, as I’ve received conflicting information. However, I think they will.

I considered going back to an HMO with United Health Plans, which includes UCLA physicians as in-network, but no one could guarantee that they’d cover the procedure either.

Anyway, I thought I’d document this journey. It begins on January 5th, when I’ll check into an Airbnb hotel near the procedure location. This is two days before the procedure. I’ll have to fast those 2 days and completely empty my stomach (I’ll spare you the details). In the best-case scenario, I’ll wake up with a catheter and a “burned out” prostate. I’ll need to wear the catheter for at least two weeks. Hopefully, they'll get it all 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

paulcalif | @paulcalif | Mar 30 6:10pm

In reply to @kaphur "@paulcalif so did Medicare cover the procedure?" + (show)

@kaphur Yes, original Medicare covered it 100% with my supplemental. Whether an Advantage HMO will cover it is another question. The success rate with Tulsa depends on what you consider success. If you mean getting rid of the cancer, it may be slightly worse odds, but the odds are still very good. But, if you consider sexual health, urine and fecal continence, restored urine flow, minimal downtime and the ability to go back for further treatment if necessary as success, then I don't think Tulsa can be beat. Doctors will promote what they do, it's human nature. A radiologist is going to recommend radiation, a surgeon, surgery, A Tulsa expert, Tulsa etc. As a patient, you owe it to yourself to do the research. Oh, and Tulsa is Tulsa Pro, Pro is short for Procedure.

jcf58 | @jcf58 | Mar 30 7:41pm

In reply to @kaphur "@monkee So did your urologist suggest Tulsa Pro, or did you ask for it? Have you..." + (show)

@kaphur
I did Tulsa at Mayo in 2024 for my Gleason 4+3.I thought I wanted HIFU but was ineligible due to the location of my lesion. My urologist mentioned some advanced things being done at Mayo and when I researched it, I found Tulsa. Tulsa is like HIFU on steroids. Uses the same ultrasound energy, but it is done in an MRI so in real time they can see the temperatures and the margins. The three year data for recurrence is comparable to surgery and radiation. However, it’s not really an apple to apples comparison as the parameters for those who can have Tulsa are usually for low and intermediate risk cancer only.
Medicare and my supplement covered the entire cost of the procedure.

kaphur | @kaphur | Mar 30 9:56pm

In reply to @paulcalif "@kaphur Yes, original Medicare covered it 100% with my supplemental. Whether an Advantage HMO will cover..." + (show)

@paulcalif who is the Tulsa administrator at Mayo? I had an appt with oncologist and another with a urology surgeon. Both recommended surgery. I had to ask about Tulsa Pro, I'm intermediate risk.

paulcalif | @paulcalif | Mar 30 11:08pm

Sorry, I don't know, but others on here will

TommyG | @tdgillett | Mar 31 7:37am

In reply to @pioneer "@diverjer As long as the capsule is in tact you have a shot with Tulsa Pro..." + (show)

@pioneer Where did you have the TULSA-PRO done? I'm just 80 with 4+3 in one core and 3+3 in another. Been on AS for a year, but looking at TULSA as an option for treatment at this time. I would probably opt for a compete ablation--for the same reasons you mention in your post.

jcf58 | @jcf58 | Mar 31 8:14am

In reply to @kaphur "@paulcalif who is the Tulsa administrator at Mayo? I had an appt with oncologist and another..." + (show)

@kaphur
David Woodrum is the Radiologist at Mayo Rochester who does the Tulsa procedure.

pioneer | @pioneer | Mar 31 8:15am

I live in Illinois and was provided two options which are:

St. Louis University
3655 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
Nurse Coordinator: Azra, RN
Call: 314-617-3822
Email: azra.okic1@slucare.ssmhealth.com
https://slucare.com/urology/index.php
University of Chicago
5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Call 773-702-8222 (Select option 1, then option 4, request consultation for TULSA procedure with Dr. Sidana or Dr. Otto)
Inquiry email: GUCancerProgram@uchicagomedicine.org
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/prostate-cancer
I picked the first location given my proximity to the St. Louis region. My procedure is scheduled for later in April.

Good luck.

bobbygene | @bobbygene | Apr 1 9:33am

In reply to @tdgillett "@pioneer Where did you have the TULSA-PRO done? I'm just 80 with 4+3 in one core..." + (show)

@tdgillett I had my TULSA procedure done by Dr. Stratton at OU in Oklahoma City. My local urologist gave me the choice of radical surgery or rounds of radiation. They never heard of TULSA PRO. I did my research and there was no question that TULSA was best for me. Quality of life was a big concern and I'm very happy with the outcome.

WingNut | @ucfron | Apr 2 1:20pm

I had Tulsa Pro at the Mayo in Jacksonville on Dec 10, 2025. Great choice. My last PSA test was 0.51 down from 4.5 pre-procedure. Zero urinary or ED issues and even urinating stronger and better then before. Mine was done by Dr Pathak and Dr Dora at the Mayo. Highly recommend you inquire but there must be certain criteria to be considered a good candidate. Mine was interior to my prostate so easy to get to from the urethrae. 1 of 13 cores with 70% abnormal and 10% or less was 4 for a 3+4=7. My prostate was not enlarged at only 40 ccs. All pointed to doing Tulsa Pro. They did a hemi gland procedure on me with only front half (from 3 to 6 o'clock) ablated. I will keep in touch with updates. Next PSA is in June

TommyG | @tdgillett | 1 day ago

Found out today that my 2024 hip replacement will disqualify me from consideration for TULSA-PRO, at least at the Scionti Center in Florida. Disappoints me, but means I'll focus my consideration on other treatments.