It's good to see you again!

Hmmm. Without knowing more details, I'd venture to say that it seems like such a drastic decision is being made....
To start from scratch without ruling out if it is just the battery gone bad. Yikes.
Our dear friend Jackie had this happen and she had her battery changed out. Maybe she'll see this and give input?

No sign of lead migration - that's good.
I think you've got a good sense about this possibly being a costly endeavor and perhaps he simply doesn't want to mess with someone ELSE's handywork.
Perhaps your insurance will request additional information from your doctor on this before they approve payment. After all, we are talking a verrrry high-dollar payout.

What matters the most tho, is YOU and your welfare.
Do you feel comfortable with the direction your doctor is wanting to go?
It would sure be a crying shame if you went thru all of this only to find out that it was a matter of the lead wire coming disconnected from the battery or something. Surely not?
I'd like to assume the Dr would rule out the obvious before starting from scratch.
Just my initial thoughts.....

Others will happen along shortly. Meanwhile, I hope you have adequate pain control during this interim?

Caring,
Rae