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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Jul 5 8:22am | Replies (301)

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@sueinmn

PRP and stem cell therapy are 2 different treatments, and may be covered. PRP is covered for certain diagnoses by my insurance; stem cell therapy is covered for some other diagnoses, that have been proven via research studies. For example, stem cell therapy is covered for some types of leukemia and blood cancer, but others are still under study. Other uses for PRP and stem cells are under study, and sometimes you can find a clinical study in which to participate. For most issues, they reject requests due to "insufficient evidence" at this point.

It isn't only approval by the FDA that controls what is paid for, but also insurance companies. There is something to be said for these limitations. With limited health care dollars (our own, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance) it is important that the money be spent for the most effective treatments and medicines available.

Another word on the subject - there is wide variance in the qualifications and expertise among those promoting alternative therapies. If you choose to go forward with PRP injections, make sure you are in the hands of a licensed medical professional trained in the diagnosis of your problem, and use and administration of the substance. The people promoting on Facebook and the Internet are often suspect or purely driven by a profit motive.

Sue

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Replies to "PRP and stem cell therapy are 2 different treatments, and may be covered. PRP is covered..."

Thank you for your detailed reply. I'll definitely have to ask my orthopedic surgeon about PRP. I've been getting hyloronic shots in my knee and shoulders, which helps somewhat. I'm trying to avoid anymore surgeries.
Thank u again