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I have neuropathy and my hands are eventually going to become difficult to use. I want to get an IPP as soon as possible for this reason to be able to stretch things out so I can accommodate a decent sized malleable when that time comes.

The closest high volume provider is out of my coverage area so I'll need to change insurance next year to see him. There are a few local providers that do about one implant a month.

Given that I'm on a time crunch with my neuropathy do I meet with the local guy to get a feel for his ability and to ask infection and satisfaction rates or should I hold out until next year and hope I'm able to manipulate the pump?

Who here has used a provider that is not high volume and how was your experience?

Thank you.

rsbatem wrote:I have neuropathy and my hands are eventually going to become difficult to use. I want to get an IPP as soon as possible for this reason to be able to stretch things out so I can accommodate a decent sized malleable when that time comes.

The closest high volume provider is out of my coverage area so I'll need to change insurance next year to see him. There are a few local providers that do about one implant a month.

Given that I'm on a time crunch with my neuropathy do I meet with the local guy to get a feel for his ability and to ask infection and satisfaction rates or should I hold out until next year and hope I'm able to manipulate the pump?

Who here has used a provider that is not high volume and how was your experience?

Thank you.

Rsbatem, I had my implant done at a military hospital in San Antonio, Texas by an Army Major urologist. I had a very good outcome with a low volume doctor. I’ve had my AMS700 LGX for 3.5 years and I’m very happy and I would do it again.

SWorks

rsbatem wrote:I have neuropathy and my hands are eventually going to become difficult to use. I want to get an IPP as soon as possible for this reason to be able to stretch things out so I can accommodate a decent sized malleable when that time comes.

The closest high volume provider is out of my coverage area so I'll need to change insurance next year to see him. There are a few local providers that do about one implant a month.

Given that I'm on a time crunch with my neuropathy do I meet with the local guy to get a feel for his ability and to ask infection and satisfaction rates or should I hold out until next year and hope I'm able to manipulate the pump?

Who here has used a provider that is not high volume and how was your experience?

Thank you.

where are you located?

I think everyone assumes Eid, perito when they think high-volume but there are lots of excellent surgeons out there some may be in driving distance. I would check out the boston and coloplast websites for centers of excellence and or the society of prosthetic urologists and sexual medicine society of north america have physician finders, all of which should do at least more than 5 implants a year. I would be hesitant to go to a urologist that does 1 a year. Would say to make a few hour drive if possible.

on the flip side, once they figure out the electronic version which my doctor said hopefully will arrive in 5-10 years (no promises). There will be no pump at all.

I'm in Pocatello Idaho, nearest centers of excellence is in Salt Lake. It's only 2 hours drive but out of my coverage area.

If the guy in Idaho Falls does one a month then that should be 12 per year, should I visit with him? I'd like to get it done this year while I can still use the pump but may have to wait until next year when I can change insurance.

rsbatem, I selected a surgeon who does around 50/yr, and has been doing them for 10+ years. Center Of Excellence and does advisory work on AMS. His specialty is reconstructive surgery, and his eye for detail was evident in our first discussion. He relayed some examples of implants with unexpected challenges and I was impressed with his ability to adapt for a good outcome. And ironically, I ended up being another one of those. His bedside manner was great with myself and my wife. I'd use him again in a heartbeat.

Also, here's a list of Dr's and practices recommended by members of the forum.
https://www.franktalk.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26153

- Chuck

rsbatem wrote:Who here has used a provider that is not high volume and how was your experience?