Yes folks I’m asking for more advice. Mom’s right kneecap has shifted and the pain is so bad she can hardly walk anymore. Knee replacement surgery is not an option at this point. Tylenol does help but she now has liver problems from that! Can anyone recommend a knee brace that might stabilize her knee or another suggestion? Thank you so much for answers to previous questions.
I wear a neoprene brace with metal stays and hinges (to prevent lateral motion and hyperextension) with two Velcro straps. Your mother will likely need something similar, AFTER a doctor has relocated her knee cap into its track.
if she hasn’t already.
If that doesn't work, she can have a gel injection (but not sure if this is covered by Medicare yet or not). This worked great for my Mom and she had it done in her late 80s.
Last resort that she may be a candidate for is a nerve ablation. Minimally invasive procedure, not sure it is covered by Medicare, very low risk/side effects.
If your Mom's healthcare clinic has a pain clinic, I would work through that team. There is a physical cost to be paid for taking ibuprofen or acetaminiphen daily...
Seems all insurance- including Medicare- require preauthorization for Euflexxa. And it is what your wrote on getting a cortisone/ steroid as a start / first attempt. Got that along with various X-ray of my knee (plus they had old images as well) right after Xmas to submit for preauthorization. Now we are still on hubs employer sponsored health Insurance (thankfully!), and Euflexxa has each of 3 injections at $1500 and my copay was $96. The MD costs covered by our plan, & would be a Part B cost for Medicare HOWEVER the Euflexxa itself is a drug. As a drug, it is on our pharmacy benefit formulary. And that seems to be the issue for Medicare as not all Part D Medicare drug plans have it on their list of drugs covered. So it would be $4,500 plus what the MD and xray copays are for your health insurance policy otherwise.
So far my pain is way down. & fwiw most insurance plans are going to cover the physician & xray costs as it’s way cheaper and less risk than doing surgery. It’s it’s “drug” costs that the crapshoot on Euflexxa coverage.
Wondering if physical therapy and option?
Good luck and best wishes
The best thing to do would be consult with her ortho and they can fit her with the correct brace and the right size.
It will probably be covered with her insurance as durable medical equipment.
Physical therapy must fit this.
See the doctor.