What is a Supartz Injection?
Supartz is a sterile, injectable therapy containing highly purified sodium hyaluronate extracted from chicken combs. Supartz is used to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis by restoring the lubricating and cushioning properties of joint fluid (synovial fluid). Supartz is the brand name of hyaluronic acid, which is a component of connective tissue. Supartz is known as a “vicosupplement.” According to the National Institute of Health, a five-week course of Supartz provides clinically meaningful reductions in pain and improved function for up to six months.
Supartz FX is the brand name of a natural, non-opioid, FDA-approved therapy for knee osteoarthritis and is administered as a series of 3-5 injections (given once a week) directly into the knee. Supartz temporarily increases the levels of healthy hyaluronic acid in the joint. If you’ve received a Supartz injection insurance denial, you may feel defeated, particularly if your doctor believes these injections can significantly help your knee pain and stiffness.
What Does a Supartz Injection Treat?
Supartz injections are primarily used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. These injections are usually indicated for patients who have failed to respond to treatments like physical therapy, exercise, or acetaminophen. Supartz injections can offer an amazing combination of effectiveness, dosing flexibility, and affordability. Some patients can have a good response after three weeks as the injections work by acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.
The injections allow the knee to move more smoothly, significantly lessening chronic knee pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the knee. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in those over the age of 50, although it can, occasionally, occur in younger people. As a degenerative, wear-and-tear type of arthritis, osteoarthritis causes cartilage in the knee joint to gradually wear away.
What Are the Benefits of a Supartz Injection?
There is some evidence that for patients with severe pain and acute swelling, cortisone shots may be more effective than Supartz injections. Supartz tends to work better for patients with less acute swelling, and those whose pain is dull and achy rather than sharp and severe. Supartz injections can take as long as 4-6 weeks to be fully effective; if symptoms are not relieved in four weeks and the patient continues to have dull, achy pains, a gel injection can be administered to prolong the effects.
The best-case scenario for Supartz injections is that the pain relief can last from three to six months for some individuals, without risk of serious side effects or complications. Following a Suparz injection, you should avoid any activity that places stress on your knee for at least 48 hours. Supartz injections are extremely effective for more than half of all those receiving the treatment.
Why Might Your Supartz Injection Treatment Be Denied by Insurance?
Supartz FX was the world’s first clinically approved product for the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain in 1987. Because the treatment has been in use for so long, it is difficult for insurance companies to claim that Supartz injections are “experimental” or “investigational.” Yet your insurance company may still deny Supartz injections under the guise of being “not medically necessary.” This is usually code for “we don’t want to pay for the treatment.” Supartz costs about $300 per injection, and the treatment usually requires five injections.
What Steps Can You Take Following a Supartz Injection Insurance Denial?
If you have received a Supartz injection insurance denial, you have options and should not simply give up. Attorney Scott Glovsky has devoted his legal career to helping everyday people whose insurance company is denying a necessary treatment. Scott and his legal team will immediately help guide you to put together an internal appeal that asks your insurer to reconsider its initial denial.
You may include a letter from your doctor that details why you need Supartz injections. If your internal appeal is not successful, Scott will help determine your best next steps. This may be to file an external appeal with a neutral third party or could be to pursue legal action. Since many appeals result in a reversal of the initial denial, it is definitely worth your time and energy to speak to the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky regarding your Supartz injection insurance denial.
What Insurance Companies Are Known to Deny Supartz Injections?
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have denied Supartz injections in the past, however, any insurance company can potentially deny these injections. Some of the most common California insurers who may deny Supartz injections include:
How the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky Can Help with a Supartz Injection Insurance Denial
After receiving a Supartz injection insurance denial, you may be feeling hopeless and helpless. Once you have spoken to attorney Scott Glovsky, we believe you will begin feeling hopeful again—with good reason. Scott has experience working on the other side which allows him to stay one step ahead of your insurance company’s legal strategy. With a solid reputation, Scott is well-respected and often referred by other attorneys.
Our firm offers highly personalized client attention along with passion, commitment, and hard work. Results speak louder than words and the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky has a solid record of positive financial results. We help those who have been wronged. We listen to you, support you, empower you, and always put your needs first as we treat you with dignity and respect. If results matter, contact the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky.