Let’s talk about things you may have heard about stem cells and what is real. So many of my patients have asked me to write on this subject, so here we go.

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Does the baby’s mother donate the umbilical cord, or is she paid?

The umbilical cord is donated. There is no money being paid to the parents, doctor, or hospital for the tissue. There are also very stringent questions that must be answered in order for the donation process to be completed. With the lab we use for our stem cells at Accurate Care, there are approximately 90 questions on the form that the parents must answer. These questions include their personal and family history, travel history, work history, and toxic exposure. Prenatal and partner’s history. These questions are asked to determine the quality of that cord. The questions must be answered so the tissue bank can determine if there are any concerns whatsoever that may disqualify the donation.

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Is stem cell therapy illegal or unregulated in the U.S.?

Stem cell therapy in the U.S. is regulated, not unregulated, and not illegal when conducted properly. The concern lies in the many clinics operating outside FDA oversight, offering unproven treatments marketed directly to consumers, which is illegal and potentially dangerous. At Accurate Care, we are cautious and specific as to what conditions we work with. We never make claims that are untrue, nor do we utilize treatments that have not been proven to be safe and effective for each condition. Please be wary of clinics that make promises to “cure” your condition. No clinic should ever make those claims.

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Is stem cell research unethical?

Most stem cell research today involves adult stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or umbilical cord blood—none of which involve destroying embryos. At Accurate Care, we use cells from a donated umbilical cord.

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Are stem cell treatments covered by insurance?

About 99.9% of insurances do not cover stem cell treatments. Most insurance companies follow a medical model that pays for surgery and medications. For the rare company that does cover some treatments, (I have not personally come across one, but have been told there are a few) they have found that over time, the stem cell treatments will eventually save the company a lot of money in the future, as the conditions may be resolved to the point of no longer needing to be medically managed with drugs or surgery.

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What do stem cells cost?

The cost of stem cells will eventually come down. The technology is improving and becoming more efficient. Many patients are seeking it out more frequently. They are frustrated with traditional treatments that involve necessary down time that our society today has no time for. In our office, here in Scottsdale, the cost may differ in different parts of the country. It depends on the type of method we use, whether it be a local injection, or a number of injections we plan on injecting. Or if we use intravenous, (IV). It also depends on the age, body weight, and health issues of the patient. Each person is unique, as is their condition, and how they will respond to the stem cells. In our clinic, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $13,000. I do my best to offer my patients different options, so that they can benefit from at least a level of treatment they can afford.

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Why can’t I just go to Mexico or another country and get the same treatment for less money?

First of all, you have to ask where are the donors from? The prenatal care is quite often at a particular level that is not at the level we have here in the US. The US still has the highest level of screening out infectious diseases and genetic disorders. The processing of the cells is also very important. How are the cells being checked, and how are the labs validating exactly what is in the product. Without going into all of the issues involved, I believe I’ve given you enough questions here that we have to answer to in the US. You cannot count on these questions being answered at the same level in other countries. There are a couple of clinics I refer to in 2 other countries, however, they are American clinics that are held to American standards. The reason I refer patients to them is because here in the US, there are some conditions that we cannot treat here. Once a patient decides to go to one of those clinics out of the US, the patient’s pre and post treatment care is done in our clinic. This ensures that the patient is watched closely, both legally and ethically.

I hope this helps to debunk some questions you may have regarding stem cell treatments, and you won’t be held back in making your decision to have the treatments you deserve.

My purpose is to help as many people as I can with stem cells. Due to popular demand, I’ve decided to extend 30% off for another 30 days. Please call my office to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if you qualify for treatments that keep you in the game of life without stressful downtime.

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DrLeisa@CaringPainRelief.com or call my office.
Leisa-Marie Grgula, DC
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. #115
(480) 584-3955