It's not about lying, guys.

[Guest guest]

As I understand the whole " coding " deal, when a procedure is

submitted it has a numbered code. If the Resurf is submitted as a

miscelaneous (or mutant/experimental) procedure, it's not handled by

with the same scrutiny as an accepted procedure. I talked to Chuck

about it at JRI, and they always submitted it as a tip replacement

with an experimental device. It was disclosed from day one. It's

just a way of using a different door to enter the approval/refusal

process. It is, in fact, a hip joint replacement. And if the device

is disclosed, where is the deception? Mine was handled that way, and

I assure you that I feel no fear of cosmic payback. My hip joint was

replaced with a C+, and AETNA knew what device Dr. Amstutz would use

before he even scheduled me. While I understand your apprehension to

invoke Karma, I would encourage you to understand that the reputable

surgeons performing the resurfs are not likely to use skullduggery

to dupe insurance monsters. I could be wrong. Maybe a Doctor could

elaborate. But I will tell you that I did have the chance to sit and

talk with Chuck, and (if my poor feeble memory serves correctly) the

above was the basic jist. And besides...people with bad hips

shouldn't ride on high horses.....(sorry, I couldn't resist). OK,

Alan and , I'll take my ass whoopin' like a man now.

C+ 4-15-04