FDA approval, insurance coverage

[Guest guest]

I'm a very active 58-year-old with severe arthritis in my right hip and

convinced that only resurfacing will return me to my beloved sports (skiing,

riding horses over hurdles, and my primary love, running). I have been unable

to get my HealthNet HMO in San Francisco to cover resurfacing with Dr.

Amstutz at JRI in LA. They turned it down as an investigative procedure that

was also out of network, referring me to surgeons in my local HMO who do

metal-on-polyethelene (the only procedure they'll cover). I appealed with

supporting documentation from Dr. Amstutz as well as local hip surgeon

Ries i, who tried to get an exemption so he could do the procedure

here as he felt it was a better choice for a younger more athletic patient. The

appeal, like the exemption, was denied categorically. I am now making a final

appeal to the state Independent Medical Review Board but don't have much

hope. Does anyone have new intelligence re when this fundamentally

conservative procedure might get FDA approval? Chuck at JRI says

maybe 8-12 months. And has anyone had any luck with HealthNet, or other

California health plans? Or will I end up having to write a check? Thanks for

any advice you can offer...