Bioness L300 for foot drop - updated info

General Blog
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Hello all,

Since I just met with the Bioness rep to change the electrode type (was gel, to cloth), I asked her a ton of questions (it’s what I do LOL). Anyway, for anyone interested in trying out the Bioness product(mine has been a GODSEND), here’s what I found out.

  1. While insurance coverage is still an issue, it’s about 50% of insurances that cover it and they’re adding more. They have to negotiated the prices with each one. 50% is SO MUCH BETTER than 2 years ago when it was almost no one. Also, they have research on their website so if you try to and the insurance denies it, you can try using their research in your denial of claim appeal.

  2. If you are a military veteran, she said the VA was excellent and she always asks patients since they can usually get it covered by the VA veteran’s administration). Go US military!! They deserve it.

  3. I had a ton of issues with the skin under the gel type, but have had none with the cloth type. They even have two types of cloth.

  4. The product is much easier to find more locally (I met her at one 3 mils away, rather than having to go to a big rehab hospital. The setting for me has never changed, but if you do, that helps.

Bottom line. If you’re looking to try it out, call the bioness folks up and get a local office to try it out and find out about insurance coverage. Their website has 1800 # and international locations too They have two types for the leg, and another for the hand. For me, the bioness has been incredibly helpful and I’m glad the insurance coverage and availability is so much better. Also, the cloth eliminates the skin issues, for those of us with sensitive skin like me.

blessings to all!

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Hi, Is your footdrop caused from an AVM? My daughter just is on trial for the Walkaide, which basically is the same thing, electrode stem to pick up the foot. This is the last thing Physical Therapy wise that has not returned since my duaghter’s rupture in Mayu 2010. The Walkaide also has been great and we are in the insurance fight also. Her AVM rupture was in the left temporal lobe. Good luck
Renee

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Hi Renee,

Yes, I had a brain AVM that created an aneurysm which ruptured. I tried both, and only chose the bioness because it had the foot sensor which they knew worked well with stairs too. Both were tremendous products, so I’m glad you’re daughter is trying it out. I think both can be incredibly helpful. I know I did botox with the bioness, and had significant improvement with spascticity (tightness) where three physical therapy docs told me I was not likely to have much improvement.

btw, it was LAST for me as well, mine is right parietal. Call the bioness people to send you their documentation, they have some good studies to help you fight the insurance. Hope it goes well!! My AVM is long gone, so I hope your daughter is AVM free as well.