Frequently Asked Questions

Synergy Health Concepts provides a comprehensive treatment program for patients with symptoms related to CCSVI, Dysautonomia, and other neuro-degenerative diseases such as Chronic Lyme, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Parkinson’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and others. This comprehensive program typically includes:

Consultation and follow-up care with our Physicians
Comprehensive on-site imaging
Medical procedure in our state-of-the-art medical facility.
Hotel Accommodations (at our specified accommodations/location-four (4) nights)
Ground Transportation (from/to John Wayne International airport and specified accommodations and from/to specified accommodations and our facility)

For more information http://www.synergyhealthconcepts.com/process/

2. You refer to ‘Patients for Life’—what specifically do you mean by that?

It is our commitment to provide our patients with follow-up imaging and SHC physicians’ consultative services for the patient's life subsequent to their initial treatment as described above. These lifetime services are included with their treatment program. They are provided at no additional fee to the patient. This ensures patients thorough post-treatment follow-up care.

3. Can any interested patient receive Synergy Health Concepts' treatment?

While SHC is committed to providing treatment to all who could potentially benefit from our services, we must conduct a preliminary evaluation of each prospective patent’s medical condition prior to accepting them as patients. This screening process is to provide maximum patient safety and potential efficacy. To begin the screening process you may e-mail us, call our scheduling department directly with questions at 877 792.2784 OR 949-221-0129 ext. 205, or you may access our Inquiry form to begin your steps to treatment.

4. How long will I be in Southern California for the treatment program?

Normally you will be in Southern California for five days.

5. What is the cost of the Treatment Program?

Costs are determined on an individual basis dependent upon each patient's medical needs. Typically, out-of-pocket patient costs will not exceed $10,000. SHC is not contracted with any 3rd party payers but will submit claims to the patient's insurance company as a courtesy to our patients. Your insurance may cover some or all of these costs depending on your specific carrier and your particular plan coverage. Insurance payments will be collected by Synergy Health Concepts. Insurance payments will not be refunded to patients.

6. I’d like to know more about the Treatment Program. Can I contact Synergy Health Concepts to discuss my condition at no cost?

Yes, absolutely. We encourage any interested patients to contact Synergy Health Concepts to discuss your situation and evaluate your options without any obligation or cost to you.

You may also e-mail us, call our scheduling department directly with questions at 877 792.2784 OR 949-221-0129 ext. 205, or access our Inquiry form to begin your steps to treatment.

Preoperative Testing

1. What tests do you require before I get treated?

Knowing your anatomy beforehand increases the efficiency and safety of your procedure. An MRV is the best test for depiction of venous anatomy. Therefore, to provide the utmost in patient safety, an MRV will be required prior to your treatment. If contraindications to the MRV exist, an alternative imaging study (venous doppler) will be performed.

2. I’ve had an Ultrasound (doppler) done of my veins, do I still need an MRV?

In most cases, yes. The diagnosis of CCSVI is made clinically based on medical signs and symptoms. We do not rely on imaging for the diagnosis of CCSVI. The intent of pre-procedure imaging is to define the anatomy which is best done with an ultrasound. Having a venous anatomy determined by an MRV is a major element of our focus on patient safety.

3. I’ve had an MRV at a location outside of your center but I would like be treated by Synergy Health Concepts. Can you still treat me?

Yes, but the CD of your images is required before we can treat you. We encourage you to send a copy of your CD to our office address:
Synergy Health Concepts
4501 Birch St.
Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Attn: CCSVI Patient Coordinator

4. How can you perform the MRV in the morning and have the results in the afternoon? I heard that it takes Dr. Haacke 2-4 weeks to complete his evaluation of the MRI data?

It’s true that Dr. Haacke’s review of the data from your MRV will take 2-4 weeks. However, we do not need the complete Dr. Haacke protocol to determine your venous anatomy. The Haacke report will be used primarily for follow-up care.

5. Is the cost of the MRV included in the treatment program fee?

Yes, it is included.

The Procedure

1. What does the typical CCSVI procedure include?

The procedure includes the venographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) evaluation of the jugular, azygos, renal, and spinal veins. It also involves valvuloplasty/venoplasty of all abnormalities identified during the diagnostic process.

2. Are you using the ‘Zamboni Method’ for treating the veins?

No. While the basis is in the Zamboni method, we modified it as our experience grew with the procedure. Enhancements include such things as the use of IVUS and evaluation of the cerebral sinuses. We then treat any abnormalities that we believe will be safe and have the potential to improve patients’ symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the individual patients’ anatomy.

3. Do you use stents?

It may be necessary. The physician will discuss this during the informed consent process.

4. Do you use ‘drug-eluding’ balloons or stents?

No.

5. Do patients have to take blood thinners after the procedure?

Post-procedure blood clots are the most likely adverse event associated with the CCSVI procedure. To minimize this potential complication, a blood thinner is prescribed (unless contraindicated). Xarelto is the prescribed blood thinner. It is recommended that all patients visit their primary care physician prior to treatment for a physical assessment. We encourage patients to discuss the risks and benefits of taking a blood thinner (Xarelto) and request the prescription prior to the procedure. If patients are unable to obtain the prescription, it may be obtained from Steven’s Pharmacy in Costa Mesa. There is an additional cost for prescriptions filled by Steven’s Pharmacy (please see “Costs and Payments” FAQs below).

6. Do I need to stay overnight in the hospital or is this an outpatient procedure?

Your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

7. Where will my procedure be performed?

We perform all of our procedures at Synergy Health Concepts’ medical center in Newport Beach, California.

Post-Procedure and Follow-up Care

1. How long do I need to stay in Southern California after my procedure?

We ask that you stay in the immediate area for 48 hours after the procedure.

2. What tests do you order for follow-up?

Synergy Health Concepts may perform a venous doppler (ultrasound) post-procedure. It is recommended that patients have a MRV annually. Synergy Health Concepts provides follow-up imaging at no additional charge. *
*Imaging must be performed by Synergy Health Concepts at their Newport Beach Center.

3. If you don’t order any follow-up tests, how do you know if I have re-blocked my veins?

Restenosis diagnosis is based on subjective assessment (patient’s reporting of symptoms). Historically, if symptoms subside or improve after the procedure, and then worsen or return at a later date, we recommend speaking with a Synergy physician to discuss possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions.

Scheduling

1. How do I schedule an appointment to begin my participation in the Treatment Program?

The first step is for Synergy Health Concepts physicians to determine that you are a candidate for the procedure. To begin the process, patients should complete the Inquiry Form and complete the required forms. Upon physician review and approval, a (SHC) coordinator will contact you within 48 hours to confirm a date and time for your procedure.

2. Is there a wait list for the Treatment Program?

No. Appointments are available 7 to 10 days from the date of initial contact with the center. For additional information, visit the Scheduling Page.

3. How do I contact Synergy?

Toll Free Phone: 877-792-2784 Main: 949-221-0129 Scheduler: 949-221-0129 extension 205 Clinical Assistant: 949-221-0129 extension 207

Email: [email protected] or you may complete our Inquiry Form to send a message to a staff member, complete a form(s) or view and maintain all medical records.

4. Where is your center located?

Our center is located at 4501 Birch St., Newport Beach, CA, 92660.

Costs, Payments, & Insurance FAQs

1. How much does the Treatment Program cost?

All Synergy Heath Concepts (SHC) patient treatment and associated costs are determined on an individual basis, which is dependent upon each patient's medical needs. The patient’s co-insurance or out-of-pocket costs will not exceed $10,000.

2. What does this fee include?
The SHC treatment program fee includes:

Initial consultation and post-procedure follow-up appointments
Comprehensive on-site imaging
Medical procedure in our state-of-the-art medical facility.
Hotel Accommodations (at our specified accommodations/location-four nights)
Ground Transportation (from/to John Wayne International airport and from/to specified accommodations and our facility)

Additional patient expense includes but is not limited to the following:
Air Travel
Ground Travel (other than the hotel courtesy transportation provided from/to John Wayne International airport and from/to specified accommodations and our facility).
Pre and post-procedure prescription medications.

3. Which of my travel expenses included?

Your local hotel accommodations and required ground transportation costs are included in the treatment program fee.

See Travel/ Accommodations FAQs for more details.

4. Where can I find your fees?

You can contact our office for our fee. All fees quoted are estimates. Fees are based on actual care that is provided.

5. Do you charge separately for stents if they are used?

No, there is no additional charge if it’s determined by the physician to use a stent. We should point out that stents are used very infrequently during the course of treatment.

6. Does my insurance cover the costs for the Treatment Program?

Your insurance may cover these costs depending on your specific carrier. Please contact your insurance carrier and our office for details regarding plan benefits.

7. How do I pay for the Treatment Program?

We accept certified checks as payment for the procedure. Patients wishing to use a credit card, may contact their credit card company to obtain a cash advance for a check. All payments must be in US Dollars, Any bank fees for non-US funds will be the responsibility of the patient.

8. When do I have to pay my fee?

A $1000 deposit is required at the time you are scheduled for your procedure, which is a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit. If this deposit is not made, your procedure time will not be confirmed. This is for the benefit of all of our patients and helps avoid cancellations and delays in other patients’ care. If you need to re-schedule your procedure with us, your $1000 deposit is applied to your future appointment. The remaining portion of your charges are due at the time of your consultation.

9. Can I pay with my Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Yes. You can withdraw money from your HSA and use that money for a certified check.

Travel and Accomodations FAQs

1. Will Synergy Health Concepts plan and book my hotel and local transportation while I’m in California for my treatment?

After scheduling your procedure date, International Healthcare Providers (IHP) will coordinate all your travel and accommodation needs.

To ensure patient safety, all patients must have a travel companion. IHP will assist with arranging companion care if needed. Contact International Healthcare Providers at:
ihcproviders.com
Toll free: 866.227.8402

Kelly Meloche
[email protected]

2. What specifically is included with my local travel and accommodations?

A four night hotel stay (hotel accommodations are at the discretion of Synergy Health Concepts)
Ground transportation between Orange County’s John Wayne International airport (SNA) and your hotel upon arrival, transportation from your hotel to all of your appointments at Synergy Health Concepts, and return from your hotel to airport

3. Which hotel will I be staying at?

You’ll stay at the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel (or equivalent). A beautiful, luxury property that was listed in Travel and Leisure’s World’s 100 Best Hotels 2011 (and is within a short drive from the Synergy Health Concepts medical center). Your room accommodates up to two adults and two children.

4. Regarding air travel, do I book that on my own?

Yes, you book your own air transportation. We can assist you with information and advice to help make your planning process as efficient and inexpensive as possible.

5. Are there nearby activities and sightseeing?
Patients and families interested in enjoying everything Orange County, California has to offer have an abundance of options. To help plan your free time with us, visit several of our local travel pages for more information:
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/
http://www.visittheoc.com/
http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/

Other Synergy Health FAQs

1. How long have you been treating patients with CCSVI?

We have been involved with CCSVI patients for more than two years. The Synergy Health Concepts partnership is unique as the only program in North America comprised of a specialist in performance of the CCSVI procedure and the other in the interpretation of CCSVI imaging studies such as the MRV and Doppler. Both doctors are Interventional Radiologists and Phlebologists. Dr. Arata is the most experienced physician in the world having performed the CCSVI procedure over 1000 times. Dr. Hewett specializes in CCSVI diagnostic imaging. He was the first radiologist trained in the interpretation the Haacke MRV’s. He is the most experienced CCSVI radiologist in the world having interpreted approximately 1500 Haacke MRV’s.

2. How many CCSVI patients have you treated?

We have performed approximately 1500 CCSVI procedures - more than anyone in North America.

3. Do you treat patients that live outside of the United States?

Yes. As a matter of fact the majority of the CCSVI patients that Synergy Health Concepts has treated come from abroad. We’ve treated patients from every continent (besides Antarctica), with the most predominant country of origin being Canada.

4. May I speak with patients you have treated?

Federal laws prohibit disclosure of protected health information.

5. Why should I choose Synergy Health Concepts?

Synergy Health Concepts is the only CCSVI group in the country with two Board Certified Phlebologists who specialize in the treatment of venous disorders. Just as important, SHC provides comprehensive care in our new safe, state-of-the-art environment. Our treatment program is uniquely designed to optimize patient safety.

6. Are your physicians ‘Board Certified’?

Yes. Each of our physicians is Board Certified Interventional Radiologists. In addition, since Synergy Health Concepts specializes in venous diseases, we have two physicians who are also Board Certified in Phlebology, the study of veins.

7. Have your physicians had ‘fellowship training’?

Yes. Each of our physicians has completed a fellowship in endovascular procedures. Since endovascular techniques are the ones used in the treatment of CCSVI patients, we feel fellowship training is very important to ensuring expert care and maximum safety for our patients.

8. Are your facilities and centers ‘accredited’?

The Synergy Health Concepts Medical Center was specifically designed and built to specialize in Interventional Radiology procedures such as venograms, angiograms, angioplasties, and stenting. Our center is not required to have a designated accreditation like hospitals so there is no formal ‘certificate’ or ‘accreditation’.

9. If there was an emergency, do you work at hospitals in your area or just at Synergy Health Concepts' medical center?

As a private group specializing in a wide range of treatments and diseases, we have active privileges at several area hospitals. We provide both inpatient and outpatient services at these hospitals on a daily basis.

10. If the need arises for hospitalization, does the Treatment Program fee include that bill as well?

No, all services rendered that are not listed on the Treatment Program webpage are the patient’s responsibility.

11. Do you offer travel insurance?

SHC does not; however, International Healthcare Providers may have access to information and contacts to provide you with these services.