Staying local vs traveling-Revision Surgery

[Friday121224]

Does anyone have any experience with Dr Ortiz of UVA?

My Titan failed on me after 4.5 years. It was life changing when it worked but not it doesn’t. I have been saving money and I am switching insurances soon because AETNA does not cover IPP surgery even if it a revision.

My question is should I go with Dr Ortiz or try traveling and go to Dr Hakky in Atlanta. Ortiz is in my area and is listed as Boston Scientific Center of excellence. Ortiz is less than an hour away while Hakky is about an 8 hour drive. Not sure what the flight time would be.

I have an upcoming appt with Ortiz and haven’t reached out to Hakky yet.

Should I travel to Hakky or take comfort that Dr Ortiz is around the corner if something were to come up?

Any insights or advice would be appreciated!

[wilsonmill]

My Titan had failed last year, it mentally put me on a mission.. went to my original surgeon but he was busy and a revision was going to be down the road. I found some others in my area and started the research, all were listed on their respective Centers of Excellence, looked for reviews, etc.. then made appointment and went to see another surgeon. He scheduled me in for the end of June and we still had another conversation, I was comfortable then. So from failure of the Titan to the new AMS I was only down for 3 months. Mine have been local, mainly for my concerns of issues after the surgery, I have not heard of Ortiz,but I have heard of UVA and they are an excellent university and hospital.

[Old Guy]

If that was me, I'd stay close to home. An eight-hour drive after surgery sounds like uncomfortable painful ride.

[GoodWood]

If faced with the situation and choices you listed I would fly to Hakky.

I want the highest volume guy possible for a revision.