From paralyzed to walking again
CHALLENGES
He had sustained a catastrophic, complete high level spinal cord injury while participating in his sport. He was unable to move his arms, legs, or breath on his own. There was a serious likelihood that he would be permanently paralyzed from the neck down
He required intensive long term in-patient rehabilitation which would need to commence as soon as he was stable enough to be transported
The closest rehabilitation center of excellence best suited to meet his needs was over 600 miles away and he could not tolerate the 9 hour ground ambulance trip
The rehabilitation center was not in insurance claims payer’s network
SOLUTION
With insurance carrier approval, a Capone & Associates case manager negotiated a reduced rate with an air ambulance provider as well as a discount off billed charges with the Rehab Center. The patient was transported in an optimally timely manner to begin rehabilitation journey.
OUTCOME
The patient responded and was very compliant with the therapy regimen. As the swelling went down around his spinal cord, he was successfully weaned from the ventilator and regained movement and sensation in his arms. He continued to improve and his diagnosis was changed from complete to incomplete spinal cord injury.
Two and a half months later, he walked out of the rehabilitation center.