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I can shed some light on the costs.
The procedure is $8000 as already stated here by a couple people.
The MRV is an extra $1000 to $1550 (required unless you already have one)
There is also a consultation fee of $250
Above prices in clinic without insurance.
There are 2 doctors doing the procedure (forget the others name)
I have spoken for a spot on Aug20/2010 but have not recieved a date yet.

This is quite a bit more $$$ than Siskin in Albany but the wait time should be much less at least for now. The only price I could not find out was what it would cost if a return trip due to re-stenosis occured.

millertime wrote:I can shed some light on the costs.
The procedure is $8000 as already stated here by a couple people.
The MRV is an extra $1000 to $1550 (required unless you already have one)
There is also a consultation fee of $250
Above prices in clinic without insurance.
There are 2 doctors doing the procedure (forget the others name)
I have spoken for a spot on Aug20/2010 but have not recieved a date yet.

This is quite a bit more $$$ than Siskin in Albany but the wait time should be much less at least for now. The only price I could not find out was what it would cost if a return trip due to re-stenosis occured.

These are the costs that I was quoted as well. I have insurance but they are denying the MRV. If it shows stenosis, I plan to appeal and apply for coverage of the procedure.

Do you know if the costs include the clinic/hospital costs? That could easily double it.

p.s. I really like the idea that he prefers angioplasty without stenting and that he uses IVUS when he can.

I am going to D. Arata`s office in 2 weeks. I was quoted $8,000.00 at his clinic which includes the cost of venogram/angioplasty/stents plus $250.00 for the consultation on the first day. I don`t know what the costs are if the surgery is done in a hospital. I have already had the MRV and Doppler ultrasound done and I was told to forward these to Dr. Arata first to review which I did. His office than called to say he wanted to see me and we set up the two dates. We are staying in Anaheim which is between Costa Mesa(where the consultation is) and Downey (which is where the surgery is done. Dr. Siskin`s cost is $5,000.00 plus each stent used. I don`t know if that cost includes MRV and DU. Could be plus....

The $8000 can only be for the treatment center/clinic; a hospital charges independently and costs WAY more. For my 1st procedure, the hospital charged me about $1,200 and my insurance company about $33,000. Of course, my insurance only paid a "negotiated rate" of about $3,300.

The other problem with using a hospital is that they can't control their schedule. If an emergency heart attack comes in, it takes priority over everything else. For my 2nd procedure, I checked in at 9:30 for a noon procedure, waited (fasting, of course) until 5:00 before I went into the OR, and after a 3-hour recovery, left about 10:45 that night. And that was my second attempt at this procedure--I was cancelled due to an emergency a few weeks earlier.

The scheduling is also more difficult because you have to line up the dr, the OR, the prep room, and an IVUS technician. Heaven help you if you have to cancel and reschedule!

So if time is an issue and you have the money, I'd go for the clinic. After all those hours in the hospital, stuck in a room with a delirious amputee, a senile lady with a vicious temper, and all the other cardio patients in for angioplasty, I would seriously consider paying cash and avoiding the depressing atmosphere. Of course, it could be just me--Dr Arata said I had the worst scheduling luck of any patient he'd seen!

BTW, I think it's Dr Harris who is also doing the procedures--he assisted at my 2nd time.

millertime said:
This is quite a bit more $$$ than Siskin in Albany but the wait time should be much less at least for now. The only price I could not find out was what it would cost if a return trip due to re-stenosis occured.


Dr Arata is trying the same technique they're using in Kuwait--bigger balloons (or two balloon to get the size/pressure right). The theory is that you have less chance of restenosis that way. Of course, no one knows for sure, but Kuwait is showing a lower restenosis rate than Zamboni had (50%).

Dr A told me that about 10% of patients are going to restenose no matter what--the goal is to get the overall restenosis rate as close to 10 as possible, with 50% being just too darn high.

Dr Arata also told me the same about using the larger balloons and therefore the lower re-stenosis rate.
The fact remains that re-stenesis is possible and I hope to find out what will be charged should a return trip be neccessary.

This is my first post here, I have been coming to this site for awhile, my Aunt has MS and I have been helping her find a place to get help. She lives in Saint John, NB Canada. She is on a few waiting list, Poland & NY. But on Sept. 11 Her and I will be going to California for her appointment with Dr. Arata on Sept.13 (MRV & consultation with Dr. Arata) & Sept. 14 CCSVI Procedure in Downey with Dr. Arata. I will be flying into Canada from my home in Florida to meet her and we will fly together to California, I am so happy for her. I want to Thank you all for all the info I got from this site, I would of never know of Dr. Arata, I will try to keep everyone updated on our trip. Anyone have any advice about the area, we are staying in Fullerton, its in the middle of Downey & Costa Mesa. I'm a military wife and we lived in California for 4 years, but no where near that area, I'm use to traveling but this is the most important trip I will ever take :0) I hope I posted this right and didn't break any rules, hope to post alot more. Thank You All again for all the info I got here.

AuntMS,
Congrats on coming to SoCal (and successfully posting here)! Keep in mind that the traffic can be terrible from Fullerton to EITHER Costa Mesa or Downey, so leave lots of time.

Send me a private message if you want more info on sightseeing or restaurants, etc. I doubt your aunt will be up to Disneyland, or that you as a Floridian would be interested, but there is lots of other stuff to do.

V

lovebug wrote:I am going to D. Arata`s office in 2 weeks. I was quoted $8,000.00 at his clinic which includes the cost of venogram/angioplasty/stents plus $250.00 for the consultation on the first day. I don`t know what the costs are if the surgery is done in a hospital. I have already had the MRV and Doppler ultrasound done and I was told to forward these to Dr. Arata first to review which I did. His office than called to say he wanted to see me and we set up the two dates. We are staying in Anaheim which is between Costa Mesa(where the consultation is) and Downey (which is where the surgery is done. Dr. Siskin`s cost is $5,000.00 plus each stent used. I don`t know if that cost includes MRV and DU. Could be plus....

Where are you flying into? Are you planning on renting a car or getting a taxi? I'm asking Because My Aunt and I are flying in to Santa Ana on Sept. 11 and I think we are just going to get Taxi's. Don't want the added worry's of getting lost :0)

Hi everyone,

For anyone flying into California for consultation/procedure with Drs. Arata or Harris and renting a car - rent or bring a Garmin/GPS. BIG stress saver!! We also toured alot and this was one very helpful item if you don't know where you're going.

AuntMS wrote:This is my first post here, I have been coming to this site for awhile, my Aunt has MS and I have been helping her find a place to get help. She lives in Saint John, NB Canada. She is on a few waiting list, Poland & NY. But on Sept. 11 Her and I will be going to California for her appointment with Dr. Arata on Sept.13 (MRV & consultation with Dr. Arata) & Sept. 14 CCSVI Procedure in Downey with Dr. Arata.

Do you mind telling us when your initial call date (reservation) was?

Does anyne else have appointments with Dr.Arata?
If so can you post when your initial reservation was made and the date of the appointment? I am curious as to how the bokings are going.

I had called about 2-3 weeks ago.....along with an email
email appeared to work faster for reply.....

as everyone, swamped............but appt are arranged quite quickly when you get a reply from secretary.........

they book 2 appt's , back to back.....
1 day venogram
next
treatment

area's of downey.........for actual procedure..............
I have an appt booked for 18th......of october , prob. took 2 weeks

E-MAIL for the start of this appt
go to the web site, and send it actually to Dr.Arata.........

pacific interventionalists..........california, orange county

millertime wrote:

AuntMS wrote:This is my first post here, I have been coming to this site for awhile, my Aunt has MS and I have been helping her find a place to get help. She lives in Saint John, NB Canada. She is on a few waiting list, Poland & NY. But on Sept. 11 Her and I will be going to California for her appointment with Dr. Arata on Sept.13 (MRV & consultation with Dr. Arata) & Sept. 14 CCSVI Procedure in Downey with Dr. Arata.

Do you mind telling us when your initial call date (reservation) was?

So Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, Leave for California in less then 17 hours :0) Here is the info you asked for: She emailed the office on Aug 19, and she called the office on Aug 23 (very long wait on the phone) But once through very nice, and she was give her dates Sept. 13 & 14. Fax confirmation come on Aug 25. Best of luck

[I think we are just going to get Taxi's. Don't want the added worry's of getting lost :0)}

Taxi's in Orange County may be pretty expensive, becuase of the distances you will be traveling. If you are not renting a car, I'd try one of the 'share-a-ride" companies like Super Shuttle unless you're just taking a taxi for a short distance.

On the other hand, you could call me when you get here.. I live in the O.C. and if I'm available, could give you a lift from the airport to your hotel.

Send a PM.

Steven