This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Received this from Lifeguard; anyone know anything about them?

Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Venous Impairment Program (VIP) at LifeGuard. Diagnostic testing and intervention, if necessary, are offered to patients with a neurologist’s diagnosis of MS.
Inclusion Criteria:
Minimum age 18 or greater
Have a disease course of Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), Relapse-Remitting (RR), Secondary-
Progressive (SP), or Primary-Progressive (PP) supported by the Lublin criteria
Have normal kidney function
Be able to communicate effectively
Pass screening for CT and contrast agent safety
Be able to travel to Phoenix, Arizona to complete testing
Informed consent signed by patient
Exclusion Criteria:
• Be in active relapse or have steroid treatment 30 days prior to testing
• Have severe cognitive impairment/dysfunction
• Be pregnant or expect to be pregnant during participation
The cash price of $2,700 for the diagnostic testing package includes:
Neurology record review
Bilateral internal jugular and vertebral venous duplex ultrasound
Multi-slice venous CT of head and neck Test results reviewed with physician
Copies of test results
If your studies indicate venous abnormalities, a venogram with venous angioplasty will be offered at
the cash price of $7,000. Cardiology clearance/testing may be required prior to venography depending
upon your age and health status. Please note that prior testing will only be accepted if it meets the
LifeGuard protocol.
A $300 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with your medical records. The balance will
be collected when you arrive for your diagnostic tests. Funds are payable by credit card. Personal
checks will not be accepted.

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RRMS since Feb , 2010. No drugs, just vitamins and exercise.

Hockeydad: They are the former Arizona Heart Institute. There is another thread going about this, so you might want to try to find that.

AHI filed for bankruptcy protection last month. Their assets have or will be sold to Vanguard Health. LifeGuard operates through Vanguard.
If you were on the waiting list for AHI, that is why you received the information from LifeGuard.

I have decided to bypass Phoenix and wait for Albany (or better yet, for Dr. McDonald in Canada!). Another member of thisism has researched LifeGuard and thinks they are on solid ground clinically, financially and legally.

I understand Dr. Dietrich at LifeGuard is a well-known and respected vascular surgeon. I think he will be heading up their CCSVI treatment program.

Thanks Blaze, I thought there was an old thread but I couldn't find it. I'm a little hesitant to go there as well. I'm on the Albany list and am waiting (patiently!) as well for Dr MacDonald.

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RRMS since Feb , 2010. No drugs, just vitamins and exercise.

I note you are in SW Ontario, HockeyDad. So am I. I wonder if we could co-ordinate with Albany and with others in southern Ontario so that we could all travel together and be treated at the same time.

It could make traveling easier and could make the trip more fun as well. Are you or others interested in exploring this?

That could be fun..Perhaps we should put this in its own topic.

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RRMS since Feb , 2010. No drugs, just vitamins and exercise.

I'll do that.