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Going for Tulsa Pro
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 🙂
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@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.
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3 Reactions@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.
@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.
Sorry, I don't know, but others on here will
@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.
@kaphur
David Woodrum is the Radiologist at Mayo Rochester who does the Tulsa procedure.
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.