Submitted by oldncrusty68 t3_10hsk9a in Maine
My 74 year old father is in dire need of a new hip and suffering greatly with pain. We got the VA to approve of it either through Togus or community care. We chose spectrum ortho in Portland because of its proximity and concerned about the quality of Togus skills. Unfortunately spectrum doesn’t have and openings until June. Anybody have and experience in this area or advice?
Togus is one of the better facilities in the VA system. Low bar to some but you should at least consult with them.
I agree I had 2 shoulder surgeries, hip, and knee done at togus. I highly recommend togus. I had a shoulder done at maine med and was having surgery on it again within the year. Togus fixed it.
Thank you a ton!!
Keep in mind that with Community Care, you have to keep the paperwork straight... especially the consult number. Mine expire every 12 months for some reason...and if I don't get it renewed in time they wont pay for follow-ups.
I highly recommend Maine Medical Center. In particular, Dr. George Babikian. He was the first surgeon in Maine to use the Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Hip Replacement procedure. I was admitted at 8 am and discharged the following day at 11 am...with the help of a walker, I walked to our car
Dr. Babikian did my father’s second hip and it was like night and day compared to his first. My father was mobile and ready for a return to life after surgery. Amazing job by the surgical team! Highly recommended.
The other replacement was “traditional” and lead to a protracted, painful recovery. Not worth it.
He did mine and I went home the same day. I’m very happy with the results
He's fantastic...I wish the rest of my body felt as good as my new hip!
Dr. Rana is in the same practice and did both my hips. He is the best. I went from constant pain to mountain tops and weight loss.
I’m going to check into him. Thank you the lead!
George Babikian is an absolute wizard. Had mine done and was back to work in 2 weeks. He is busy but if you can get in he is the best in the state
Choose a different place for the surgery. You may have to travel.
I just had surgery done by spectrum. They do have other locations. Any chance they could get you in sooner at one of those?
I’ll have to check. Ty!
I would wait till spectrum is free. I been going there since 1998. Had 7 surgery’s there. Too notch place.
Go to Boston if at all possible.
Do you suggest one hospital over another in Boston
Hip replacements are outpatient surgeries that are incredibly simple. You don’t need a world class surgeon to effectively perform it. I would go to the first place that has an opening within whatever range you’re willing to travel
Thank you for the advice! I needed that
Spaulding, if you can get in.
Mass General or Brigham & Women’s. They’re considered among the best surgeons in the world.
I honestly don't know how using VA Benefits/Insurance will effect things, but I'd check out MGH, BWH, Newton Wellesley, or NE Baptist. Overall much better care than Maine.
MGH and BWH may be better - and much more costly - but I doubt NW or NEB are really better than what is at MMC in Portland.
Thank you so much for your advice
Trauma_Hawks t1_j5a9z6h wrote
The VA isn't going to fill out a Community Care consult for Boston. The criteria for those are distance, time, or availability. Right now they're most likely filling it out due to time. Unfortunately, most places are going to be booked out until late Spring or early Summer. Sources, I work for the VA now, my wife just left a job at MMP Joint Replacement, and we have friends still working for Spectrum.
My advice, stick with the VA.