NeuroTalk Support Groups - Severe Lower Back Pain... Input?

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- - Severe Lower Back Pain... Input? (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/144453-severe-lower-pain-input.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubious (Post 750550)

insurance typically does not cover this when it is called spinal decomression therapy and illegal for the doc to call it traction just to get paid

I just looked up "spinal decompression", and as I understand it, they are the same thing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_..._decompression

I don't get it - what's the diff? Can someone 'splain me (using small words)?

Doc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith (Post 750821)

$$$Money$$$$!!!!

In application, they are they same thing. My theory is that the nomenclature of "Spinal Decompression" allows the insurance companies to call it "investigational" so therefore is not a plan benefit. The SDT practioners actually want this by design as they can now charge whatever they want to since they are not now held to a contract-limited charge (if they are in-network).

If it is allowed to be called "traction" which is long established as a treatment modality and the practitioner is in-network, then they will be held to contract rates (usually $25-$35 per visit with a cap on # of visits).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith (Post 750821)

BTW, the 68-80+% success rate that these practitioners promote is consistent with doing nothing at all since 80-90% of all disc injuries resolve without surgery and over time. So the success rate is the same as doing nothing at all!