Cortisone shots normally last for six to 12 weeks and cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per shot, according to WebMD. The cost of Coolief ranges between $2,000 and $4,000. However, the new treatment isn't guaranteed to ward off future knee surgery because it doesn't stop the condition's progression.
Full Answer
Is coolief treatment right for You?
This procedure gained widespread media attention recently after CNN and NBC covered the procedure and recommended Coolief as a better alternative to other procedures and pain killers. At Spine & Orthopedic Center, our award-winning physicians can properly diagnose your condition and they are able to determine if Coolief Treatment is right for you.
What is the coolief procedure?
The procedure circulates water through the Coolief device while heating nervous tissue in order to create a larger treatment area than with conventional Radiofrequency treatments. The cooled RF energy targets the nerves that cause pain without excessive heating.
How long does coolief RF treatment last?
Several studies have shown that Coolief RF Treatment can provide up to 24 months of pain relief to patients with chronic back pain. Furthermore, it improved the patients’ physical function and reduced the use of pain medication.
How do I get a coolief review for my insurance?
Coverage of COOLIEF* varies by insurance plan, so contact your health plan provider and ask if they will provide a voluntary predetermination review. If they will, your licensed healthcare professional’s office may be able to assist you in the process. Do you need assistance with prior authorization or appeal?
Is COOLIEF approved by Medicare?
Is COOLIEF* covered by Medicare? COOLIEF* may be covered by Medicare and by certain private payers. However, your doctor will need to confirm with your insurance provider if they cover the COOLIEF* procedure.
Does COOLIEF work for bone on bone knee pain?
Does Coolief work? A number of studies have tried to answer this question, but the evidence is iffy. According to a recent review of previous research, the evidence supporting cooled radiofrequency ablation as a reliable and long-lasting way to relieve pain from knee osteoarthritis is quite limited.
Is COOLIEF the same as radiofrequency ablation?
What is COOLIEF* Radiofrequency Ablation? Like other radiofrequency ablation procedures, COOLIEF* disrupts pain signals. Unlike other radiofrequency ablation procedures, COOLIEF* uses water-cooled technology. Water is circulated through the probe at the same time the nerves are being heated.
How long does COOLIEF last?
COOLIEF* is the first and only radiofrequency treatment cleared by the FDA for moderate to severe OA knee pain. It is a minimally invasive, non-narcotic procedure that treats chronic back, knee, and hip pain and can last for up to a year (for some people with chronic back pain, up to two years).
What is the newest procedure for knee replacement?
Minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is a new surgical technique that allows surgeons to insert the same time-tested reliable knee replacement implants through a shorter incision using surgical approach that avoids trauma to the quadriceps muscle (see figure 1) which is the most important muscle ...
Is walking good for bone on bone knees?
Walking is a fantastic option for many patients with knee arthritis because it is a low-impact activity that does not put undue stress on the joints. Furthermore, walking can increase the knee's range of motion and keep it from becoming overly stiff.
Is COOLIEF FDA approved?
"The FDA has cleared for marketing the COOLIEF Cooled Radiofrequency (Cooled RF; Halyard Health) thermal treatment for the relief of chronic moderate to severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA).
Does COOLIEF hurt?
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can expect to feel pain relief within 1-2 weeks, returning to an enhanced quality of life much sooner than with surgery. You may experience some discomfort for a short period, but this discomfort can be treated with common over-the-counter medication.
What happens if nerve ablation doesn't work?
In some cases, the nerves targeted in the procedure may grow back, so your pain will return. If the radiofrequency ablation relieved your pain temporarily, but then returned after a few months, it may be beneficial to repeat the procedure. Manage lingering pain.
How many times can radiofrequency ablation be repeated?
If the patient's level of relief is only minimal after undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment, then it can be repeated two or three weeks later.
Why am I in so much pain after radiofrequency ablation?
In fact, it's normal for some people to experience a tiny bit of increased pain in the first few days after radiofrequency ablation because the nerves may be irritated. Don't worry, pain will decrease with time, and it may take several days before you start feeling some pain relief.
What is the success rate of radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
About Chronic Back Pain
Four out of five adults in the United States experience chronic lower back pain. Most patients with chronic pain try managing their symptoms with oral anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy, while others have tried standard RF ablation and fusion procedures.
About OA Knee Pain
OA affects over 30 million adults in the U.S. It is caused by the damage and breakdown of cartilage between bones that can lead to joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Initial treatments for knee pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and steroid injections.
Information To Include In Your Appeal
A letter of medical necessity from your treating physician. The LMN helps to explain why the proposed treatment should be approved and will detail any prior treatments that have been tried and failed.
Prp Injection Knee Treatments Are Economical And Effective
Youll find that PRP injection knee treatments are more economical as compared to Coolief. Typically, the PRP injection cost of an initial session ranges from $400 to $1000. Depending on the healing capabilities of your body, you may need one or two follow-up sessions that may only cost you up to $300 to $400 each.
Why Coolief May Not Be The Perfect Solution
Aside from PRP injection knee treatments, to date, there are no effective cures for knee pain and difficulty in movement. The Coolief procedure may work to relieve the discomfort, but the principle behind it can have its downsides. In the absence of pain, youll likely continue to use the affected joint as usual.
A Minimally Invasive Option For Nerve Ablation
Although severe knee osteoarthritis with refractory pain is commonly treated surgically, this is often not an option for patients with poor health status or unwillingness to undergo major surgery. 4
How Does Coolief Work
On average, the COOLIEF procedure takes less than an hour. The time that a COOLIEF procedure takes varies depending on the surgeon, the patient, and the treatment area. A minimally invasive procedure, the COOLIEF procedure does not require the patient to undergo general anesthesia.
Q When Will I Begin To Feel Pain Relief
A You should begin to feel pain relief within one to two weeks. In some patients, the relief can be relatively long-lasting. In others, additional treatments may be required. For the specific costs associated with this procedure, and/or with any other questions please consult with your physician.
Coolief Cooled Radiofrequency Thermal Treatment
According to new article by www.painmedicinenews.com, the FDA has cleared for marketing the COOLIEF Cooled Radiofrequency Thermal Treatment:
What is Coolief treatment?
What is COOLIEF? Coolief or Cooled Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment is a non-invasive procedure for chronic pain. As its name indicates, Coolief uses cooled radiofrequency energy to target the nerves that are causing pain. Several studies have shown that Coolief RF Treatment can provide up to 24 months of pain relief to patients with chronic back pain.
How long does it take to get a coolief?
The procedure usually takes between 25 to 45 minutes on average and since Coolief is an outpatient treatment, most patients should be able to return home shortly after the procedure. Some patients may experience some level of discomfort at the radiofrequency site for a short period of time.
Why is the Coolief device used for nerve pain?
The procedure circulates water through the Coolief device while heating nervous tissue in order to create a larger treatment area than with conventional Radiofrequency treatments. The cooled RF energy targets the nerves that cause pain without excessive heating.
Doctor Discussion Guide
Find out more about OA knee pain, the COOLIEF* procedure, and prepare for your visit with a licensed healthcare professional. Remember, only a COOLIEF*-trained specialist can perform this innovative procedure.
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What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is sometimes called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It most frequently occurs in the hands, hips, and knees. 1