Dr. Wang called to discuss the MRI taken two days earlier. The imaging already had been uploaded to the Hospital for Special Surgery patient portal. It provides three-dimensional views of the affected body part and you can watch the results like an experimental movie. Imagine black and white footage of a highly agitated lava lamp in motion and you'll get an idea.
"It pretty much confirms what we saw on the X-ray," he explained. "Your arthritis is mostly confined to the right knee cap area which makes you a good candidate for partial replacement."
"What happens if it doesn't fix the problem?" I asked.
"We can go back in and do a full replacement if we have to," he answered.
Thinking ahead, I reasoned no matter the outcome, it would give me a road map for what to do about my other knee. Although some cartilage remains on the left side, it seemed to hurt as much and as often as the right knee where the osteoarthritis is more visible. If I wasn't happy with the partial knee replacement, I could opt for a full replacement in the left knee and then compare the results.
I hung up with a plan.
An hour later, while I was shopping for groceries in Walmart, Dr. Wang's office manager called to break the bad news.
"There will be a $1,000 charge not covered by insurance for the robotic arm that will assist Dr. Wang in the surgery."
"Why doesn't Medicare cover it?" I asked, a little taken aback at the cost even though it seemed a small price to pay if it means I get to stay in my apartment.
"It's considered an experimental procedure."
"Oh."
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