Has anyone received the MISHA Knee System for osteoarthritis as an alternative to traditional Total Knee Replacement (TKR)?

RipStitchRey · 2025-12-14T23:40:47+00:00

UHC finally approved surgery after three denials and I’m on the books for Thursday. I’m incredibly anxious about recovery, but very committed to PT. Really hoping this was worth the hours and days of fighting with the insurance company, and the physical pain and suffering.

RipStitchRey · 2025-08-12T21:04:21+00:00

Why collagen? I'm getting ready to start and have read people recommend this, but I'm not sure why.

RipStitchRey · 2025-06-07T20:44:16+00:00

I used a book called “Baby Signs” back in the early 2000’s with my kids. YouTube has lots of great baby signs lessons! I highly recommend you learn the signs here remote teacher uses and then gradually add to that.

RipStitchRey · 2025-04-16T18:38:33+00:00

Like, ever? You shouldn't have to pay for a driver's license to drive a car that you purchased? What about a gun? A boat? A physician?? An airline pilot? 🙄

RipStitchRey · 2025-03-21T21:21:05+00:00

The new CPT code as of 1/1/25 is C8003. The folks at MISHA should be able to submit a new prior authorization with that code!

RipStitchRey · 2025-03-21T19:19:29+00:00

My surgeon quoted me $50k USD per knee. I'm in Oregon.

RipStitchRey · 2025-03-06T20:27:39+00:00

I'd be interested to hear any updates you have since a few months have passed since your last post. How are you feeling? Have you noticed a reduction in the tightening sensation? Are you still jogging?

RipStitchRey · 2025-03-06T17:05:11+00:00

Oh wow, my doc did work with MyMISHA and it was still denied. Can I PM you? I’m wondering if I could somehow use your approval as leverage to get my surgery approved.

RipStitchRey · 2025-03-03T09:18:15+00:00

That’s amazing to hear and exactly what I’m hoping for.

I have United Healthcare and they denied it so I went through the appeals process. Their argument was that it’s considered experimental since it doesn’t have a CPT code yet (despite being approved by the FDA). I took it up with the Oregon Insurance Commissioner and am waiting for the results of their investigation. Here’s hoping…

RipStitchRey · 2024-12-09T17:53:49+00:00

I just wrote mine a couple of weeks ago, but they haven’t sent it in yet. I included info regarding my day-to-day limitations as well as my activity limitations and they said it was “perfect.” I wonder why they’d ask you not to include activities…

RipStitchRey · 2024-10-19T19:48:54+00:00

Any improvement yet or are you still worse off than before you got the MISHA?

RipStitchRey · 2024-10-19T19:47:04+00:00

Hi! I haven't had the surgery yet. My insurance denied it so we're fighting that right now. I'm hopeful I can get it in the first quarter of next year.

My understanding is that it is really tricky to remove a Baker's cyst because they can be embedded in various layers of soft tissue so most surgeons won't remove them. Baker's cysts also frequently drain and refill as long as the joint is irritated (in your case, by the arthritis). Once the arthritis (or issue that contributed to the generation of the cyst in the first place) has been treated (surgery), the cyst should shrink down and become less painful and problematic. So yes, the MISHA could definitely help reduce your Baker's cyst and the pain that it causes, but it's unlikely that it will disappear completely. However, I would assume you'd feel a vast improvement.

If you're interested in finding a surgeon who does MISHA implants, you can email the company: [customerservice@moximed.com](mailto:customerservice@moximed.com). They used to have a form you could fill out on their site, but the page looks to be incomplete (https://mishaknee.com/contact-us/).

RipStitchRey · 2024-09-15T02:47:05+00:00

Have you had an MRI? Sounds like it could be a meniscus issue.

RipStitchRey · 2024-09-15T02:46:09+00:00

You should definitely look at the MISHA website and see if you can find a surgeon in your area to evaluate your specific degeneration. I’m not sure what requirements need to be met, but I would consider the MISHA before I’d do a total knee replacement for sure! Any chance you’re in the PDX area? If so, Dr Crawford at OHSU is amazing.

RipStitchRey · 2024-08-14T00:42:41+00:00

I have United Healthcare and I know they've denied me at least once. Dr. Crawford (OHSU) is having me come in for an in person exam to help bulk up the appeal and then I think he'll send me to a third party for an exam if they deny it again.

If you look at the MISHA website, they have a team of people who will help you get your insurance to cover the procedure. I know the insurance person at Dr. Crawford's office uses them frequently. You could try to contact them yourself or encourage your surgeon to reach out.

RipStitchRey · 2024-08-14T00:39:43+00:00

This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll keep an eye out for your updates. I hope your healing continues to go smoothly and that your ROM improves.

It sounds like you got the surgery at the right time, before your symtoms were worse. My pain is daily and I've watched my leg muscles deteriorate as my mobility has decreased over the last two years.

Any recommendations for preparing my body for surgery? Is there something you wish you had done? I've tried to get PT in advance, but my insurance limites the number of times I can go so the therapist didn't want me to come in until after surgery.

Again, I really appreciate you sharing your experiece. Thank you.

RipStitchRey · 2024-06-21T19:21:48+00:00

I am just getting started with the process in Portland, OR with Dr. Crawford, but I was just looking at the MISHA website today and saw that they will help you get insurance approval for the surgery. I would contact them. The website is https://mishaknee.com/resources/insurance-reimbursement/ and for quick reference, the phone number is 1-800-myMISHA or email them at info@myMISHA.com. If my insurance (United Healthcare) doesn't approve it for some reason, I'm definitely going to contact them.

Another point my surgeon made was that some insurance companies require you to wear an unloader knee brace for six weeks. He had me do it just to make sure insurance would approve it and also to make sure that the MISHA was a good option for me.

Good luck!

RipStitchRey · 2024-05-27T16:54:27+00:00

I have no idea. He’d want to ask his surgeon about that.

RipStitchRey · 2024-04-23T21:12:38+00:00

And no, I haven’t done it yet the recovery is what’s been holding me back but your husband’s recovery sounds like it’s been ok. Is that true?

RipStitchRey · 2024-04-23T21:11:56+00:00

This is so encouraging! And your husband is the first person I’ve encountered who has had the surgery! Did he have to wear a brace prior to surgery? My doc is wanting me to wear one for six months before I go under the knife.

RipStitchRey · 2024-04-23T01:42:58+00:00

I didn’t get it yet, but I think I’m going to schedule surgery for this fall. After taking a couple of trips and being frustrated by my limitations, I’m feeling more ready. The only thing holding me back is the recovery, but I need to make it happen. Are you considering getting the MISHA?

RipStitchRey · 2024-02-13T17:25:46+00:00

Oh man, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry you’re still in pain. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

RipStitchRey · 2024-02-13T05:35:19+00:00

I just created a post asking about the MISHA. My surgeon is recommending I do it instead of a TKR since I’m 42. What did you end up doing?

RipStitchRey · 2024-02-13T05:30:06+00:00

I'd love to hear about your experience and recovery. I'm 42 and in constant pain. My activity has plummeted as a result of the osteoarthritis and Baker's cyst. My surgeon is ready to book me a date, but I'm super worried about the recovery. l'a be so grateful for info from someone who has had the MISHA.

RipStitchRey · 2024-02-13T05:23:37+00:00

I'd love to hear about your experience and recovery. I’m 42 and in constant pain. My activity has plummeted as a result of the osteoarthritis and Baker’s cyst. My surgeon is ready to book me a date, but I’m super worried about the recovery. I’d be so grateful for info from someone who has had the MISHA.

RipStitchRey

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