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Deep Brain Stimulation and Parkinson ’ s
Personal and Professional Considerations
When thinking about DBS , you ’ ll have many questions and considerations , not only about the procedure , but also about possible effects on your personal and professional life .
+ Does insurance cover DBS ? DBS is almost always covered by health insurance , including Medicare . Sometimes , especially with private , non-Medicare , insurance , your doctor ’ s office may have to seek approval before the surgery or provide additional information to secure approval . The DBS team and your insurer will determine if surgery is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs might be .
+ Where ’ s the best place for DBS ? There are many centers across the world that perform DBS . That includes most major academic medical centers , which often have a medical school and / or research institution . Your Parkinson ’ s doctor may be part of a DBS center or team . If not , they can refer you to trusted partners and sites . You also can get recommendations from others with Parkinson ’ s who ’ ve undergone DBS .
Some people need or want to get DBS farther from home . This could be because there isn ’ t a center nearby or because they wish to work with a specific physician or surgeon . If you consider this , think about the time required to travel back and forth , how often you might need to make the trip , where you will stay , and other logistics . Also ask whether a provider near your home or at the DBS center will program your device and what to do in case of a complication or urgent need . Make sure to maintain a relationship with your local Parkinson ’ s doctor , who can help with ongoing care and issues that may arise .
Living with Parkinson ’ s for more than 20 years , Kevin Younger , MD , seated , with neurosurgeon Ajmal Zemmar , MD , PhD , experienced the successful controlling of dyskinesia after DBS . Photo courtesy of the National Parkinsons Institute .
+ Will my Parkinson ’ s doctor change ? Not necessarily . But it ’ s important to discuss this . Your doctor may not program DBS . In that case , you see an expert programmer who is either part of your doctor ’ s practice or the DBS team . Make sure you know who you ’ ll see for what and how often . Who will program ? How will the programmer work with your doctor and surgeon , if needed ? Who will adjust medication ? Who should you call with concerns ? Who can you contact if you ’ re unsure who to call ?
+ Will my DBS go “ out of date ”? DBS research is active and promising . Researchers are working toward smarter devices , which deliver stimulation “ on demand ” when you have symptoms rather than constantly , as they do now . These devices might have a longer battery life and less potential side effects .