Accessing Non-Surgical Spine Treatment for Veterans (Coverage, VA, Appointments): Your Top Questions Answered

ValorSpine is dedicated to providing advanced, non-surgical solutions for chronic back and neck pain, especially for our nation’s veterans. We understand the unique challenges faced by service members and are committed to helping you navigate treatment options, including the administrative aspects of accessing care. This FAQ addresses common questions veterans have about our innovative biologic disc repair and how it integrates with VA benefits and community care programs.

Does the VA cover this treatment?

Many veterans can access ValorSpine’s biologic disc repair through VA community care programs. While the intra-annular fibrin injection procedure itself is not directly on the VA formulary, your VA provider can refer you to ValorSpine if it’s determined that you meet specific criteria, such as living too far from a VA facility, experiencing long wait times, or if the VA cannot provide the specialized care you need. We encourage you to discuss this option with your VA primary care physician or pain specialist to explore referral pathways and confirm your eligibility for coverage under community care. ValorSpine is committed to working with veterans to determine the most effective treatment and access strategy.

Do you understand military-related spine injuries?

Absolutely. ValorSpine physicians have extensive experience treating spine conditions, including those commonly sustained during military service. We recognize that military personnel often endure unique physical stressors, repetitive high-impact activities, and trauma that can lead to specific types of disc damage and chronic pain. Our team is well-versed in diagnosing and treating annular tears, discogenic pain, and other degenerative conditions that are prevalent among veterans, offering a tailored approach to biologic disc repair that considers your service history and specific needs. We are dedicated to restoring function and improving the quality of life for those who have served.

Can service-connected injuries be treated?

Yes, ValorSpine can treat service-connected spine injuries through the VA’s community care program, provided you receive the necessary referral. Our intra-annular fibrin injection procedure offers a non-surgical option for repairing damaged spinal discs, which can be a direct result of service-related physical demands or trauma. By addressing the root cause of chronic pain, we aim to help veterans regain mobility and reduce discomfort associated with their service-connected conditions. We work closely with veterans to navigate the referral process and ensure that their unique medical history, including service-connected disabilities, is thoroughly considered in their treatment plan.

Do you work with VA community care?

Yes, ValorSpine actively works with the VA’s community care program to ensure veterans can access our specialized spine treatments. If your VA provider determines that our biologic disc repair is the appropriate course of action and you meet the VA’s criteria for community care, they can initiate a referral to ValorSpine. Our administrative team is familiar with the community care referral process and can assist in coordinating appointments and necessary documentation once a referral is in place. We strive to make the experience as seamless as possible for veterans seeking advanced care outside of traditional VA facilities.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Scheduling a consultation with ValorSpine typically begins with a referral from your primary care physician or pain specialist, especially for veterans seeking care through the VA community care program. Once a referral is obtained, you can contact ValorSpine directly to arrange your initial appointment. During your consultation, our specialists will review your medical history, imaging (such as an MRI), and discuss your symptoms to determine if biologic disc repair is a suitable treatment option for you. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation and explain the fibrin disc treatment process thoroughly.

Do I need a referral?

For veterans utilizing VA community care, a referral from your VA physician is generally required to access ValorSpine’s services. This referral ensures that your treatment is covered and coordinated within the VA system. For non-VA patients, while a referral isn’t always mandatory, it is often beneficial as it provides our specialists with valuable insights into your medical history and previous treatments. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding referral requirements for private insurance plans. Regardless, ValorSpine is here to guide you through the initial steps and make the process as straightforward as possible.

How long is the consultation?

A typical initial consultation at ValorSpine is designed to be comprehensive, lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, our spine specialists will conduct a thorough review of your medical records, including any diagnostic imaging like MRIs, and engage in a detailed discussion about your symptoms, pain history, and how your condition impacts your daily life. We’ll also explain the intra-annular fibrin injection procedure, its potential benefits, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This extensive consultation ensures we gather all necessary information to determine if biologic disc repair is the right path for your specific condition.

Is this covered by insurance?

Coverage for biologic disc repair can vary depending on your insurance plan. For veterans, access is primarily through the VA community care program with a valid referral. For private insurance, while some aspects of the procedure may be covered, the fibrin disc treatment itself is considered an emerging therapy and may not be fully covered by all plans. ValorSpine’s financial team is experienced in working with various insurance providers and can help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs. We encourage you to contact us for a detailed discussion about your specific insurance situation.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of fibrin disc treatment varies based on individual needs, the number of discs treated, and whether the procedure is covered by insurance or VA community care. ValorSpine is committed to transparency regarding treatment costs. During your consultation, once a treatment plan is established, our financial team will provide a detailed breakdown of all associated expenses, including facility fees, physician fees, and the cost of the biologics. We will work with you to explore payment options and discuss potential insurance or VA coverage to ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of your care.

What conditions does this treat?

ValorSpine specializes in treating chronic back and neck pain caused by damaged or degenerated spinal discs, particularly those with annular tears. Our intra-annular fibrin injection targets discogenic pain, where the pain originates directly from within the disc itself. This innovative biologic disc repair can effectively treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, chronic low back pain, and cervical (neck) pain resulting from structural damage to the disc. It is especially beneficial for patients who have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections.

Can this help if I’ve already had spine surgery?

Yes, biologic disc repair can be a viable option for many veterans who have previously undergone spine surgery but continue to experience pain. This is often referred to as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome” (FBSS). The intra-annular fibrin injection aims to repair the damaged disc wall, which may not have been fully addressed by previous surgeries, or which might have developed new issues. A significant percentage of ValorSpine’s patients, including those with prior surgical interventions, have reported positive outcomes and significant pain reduction. Our specialists will thoroughly evaluate your post-surgical anatomy and current symptoms to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this advanced treatment.

What if other treatments haven’t worked for me?

If you’ve tried various conservative treatments like physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery without lasting relief, ValorSpine’s biologic disc repair may be an excellent alternative. The intra-annular fibrin injection targets the underlying disc damage directly, promoting natural healing and sealing annular tears, which traditional methods often only mask or partially address. Many veterans come to us after exhausting other options, seeking a regenerative solution that tackles the root cause of their chronic pain. We offer a path forward when other avenues have proven ineffective, providing hope for long-term pain relief and improved function.

If you would like to read more, we recommend this article: Accessing Non-Surgical Spine Treatment for Veterans (Coverage, VA, Appointments)