Brian Videan and Andrew Bieger, CRNAs at Hillsdale Hospital, work in the pain clinic.
Courtesy | Kyrsten Newlon
People with debilitating lower back pain can receive a new treatment for spinal pain at Hillsdale Hospital, according to a Hillsdale Hospital press release.
The treatment, called VIA Disc NP, is a procedure that replaces degenerated tissue in intervertebral disks with a tissue graft, called an allograft, from a donor, according to Vivex Biologics Viadisc NP.
Hillsdale Hospital began offering the treatment earlier this month, one of the few hospitals in Michigan to do so, according to a press release.
“It is incredible to have this kind of treatment available, especially in a small, rural hospital,” hospital Marketing and Communications Coordinator Kyrsten Newlon said.
Hillsdale Hospital’s Pain Management Clinic worked with Vivex Biologics Viadisc NP.
The procedure is performed under either moderate sedation or local anesthesia. After the procedure, a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled, according to the company.
“Intervertebral discs can deteriorate through normal aging and injury, causing dehydration, flattening, and loss of natural cushioning,” according to online Viadisc materials. “This process leaves your discs vulnerable to motion stress, strains your spinal nerves, and can result in lower back pain.”
Hillsdale Hospital aims to offer minimally invasive pain relief treatments to its patients, according to its website.
“Hillsdale Hospital’s Center for Pain Management provides a multi-disciplinary approach to relieve, reduce or manage pain and improve quality of life,” the press release reads. “Novel treatments involve minimally invasive techniques specifically designed to treat painful conditions.”
According to Andrew Biegner, certified registered nurse anesthetist in pain management, the treatment is primarily covered by Medicare, but Hillsdale Hospital is also working with other third-party insurance providers as well.
“Medicare is the primary insurance coverage at this time,” Biegner said. “However, we are working with other third-party insurance providers to cover this treatment for our patients.”