STEM CELL THERAPY: 5 QUESTIONS THAT MATTER TO YOUR PRACTICE
Stem cell therapy is on the rise and is expanding at a rapid pace. If your currently doing stem cell therapy or are considering getting started, it surely is exciting and many research articles are showcasing promising results.
Unfortunately, Stem cell therapy lawsuits are also on the rise and are getting out of control. Many insurance carriers are opting out of covering this service entirely, while the rules continue to get propagated and the standards become more well defined.
Is your practice truly protected for conducting stem cell procedures? Let one of our highly-qualified agents assess your current policy. If you’re just starting and need to add this service to your coverage, schedule a consult or reach out to us!
Our WMPG research team has communicated with insurance carriers, providers and patients and compiled 5 Stem Cell Therapy Questions that matter to your practice and the most frequent responses received. See what we have learned below:
1: WHO WILL BE PERFORMING THE STEM CELL INJECTION?
- It is recommended that a doctor performs the injections
- Recommended board certification in physical medicine, pain management, orthopedics, interventional radiology, family practice with sports medicine fellowship, or an accepted & accredited training program specializing in stem cell therapy or interventional orthobiologics
2: WHAT TYPE OF STEM CELLS DOES YOUR CLINIC UTILIZE?
- Clinics utilizing bone marrow stem cells are more accepted
- Clinics offering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are accepted in conjunction
- Clinics ethically interchanging PRP and stem cells are accepted
- Unreliable suppliers became a big problem early on. Using FDA Approved Stem Cell methods are important.
3: WHERE ARE YOU INJECTING THE STEM CELLS?
- Local site injection vs. Intravenous and what’s more appropriate, by case
- X-ray guidance expertise for treatment navigation
- Stem Cells being delivered via IV is NOT being accepted
4: WHEN IS SOMEONE A CANDIDATE FOR STEM CELL THERAPY?
- Utilize published research and good documentation for indications based on vendor and stem cell product selection
- Provide a list of conditions your practice and will not treat
5: HOW ARE STEM CELL PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
- Utilize ultrasound and or fluoroscopy to inject stem cells
- Drain effusion with ultrasound imaging
The world of stem cell therapy is revolutionary. With great risk comes great reward, but please mitigate the risk!
STEM CELL THERAPY PRACTICE CHECKLIST:
- Provider Qualification: Certified Training and or board certification
- Product Qualification: You are responsible for the stem cell products provided to the patients.
- Research Publications: The research published for stem cells is not created equally. We highly recommend for you to consider the research compiled for the products and methods you are strictly practicing.
- Consents and Disclosure: This is a must! Disclosure with new therapies is everything!
Make sure you have done your due diligence and are fully compliant! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call, schedule a consult or email us!