Consultation

Is there a doctor’s consultation before I receive treatment?

YES.  Branyon Integrative Medical Group believes that communication with the doctor is very important to your stem cell treatment process.  On your first morning with us, you will receive a complete history and physical which includes (but is not limited to) checking vital signs, EKG, and blood and urine tests.  At this time, you will also meet with several members of the medical staff to begin your recovery process.

Can I speak with a doctor before I arrive at your facility?

YES.  If you would like to speak with one of our doctors before you begin treatment, feel free to ask for a telephone consultation.  We are here to assist you in any way we can, and we want you to be comfortable with your decision to seek treatment at Branyon Integrative Medical Group.  In order to better serve you, we do ask that you either fax or email us a copy of your medical records before the scheduled telephone consultation. 

After the doctor has reviewed your medical records and related information, a phone consultation will be scheduled.  This consultation will probably last for approximately 40-60 minutes, so plan to have some privacy during this time.  The doctor will review your medical history with you and discuss treatment options.  During the consultation, please feel free to ask the doctor any questions that you may have concerning the treatment and how it can benefit you!  After all, the more you know about your treatment, the more proactive you can be in your recovery.  At the end of the telephone consultation, the doctor will refer you back to your Patient Care Coordinator to schedule a treatment date. 

There is never a charge for this telephone consultation.

When are consultations scheduled?

We prefer to schedule consultations between the hours of 3pm – 7pm PST, Monday through Friday.  If you are unable to attend a consultation during this time, however, we will be happy to work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.

Will I be charged for the initial consultation with the doctor?

The initial phone consultation with the doctor is free of charge.  The primary purpose of this initial consultation is to meet the doctor and discuss possible stem cell treatment options.  All subsequent consultations are included in the price of treatment, so there will be no hidden charges or fees.

Treatment

Does each patient receive the same treatment?

ABSOLUTELY NOT.  The treatment programs at Branyon Integrative Medical Group are designed to be individualized based on your medical history and current condition.  At Branyon Integrative Medical Group, we believe that each patient’s medical condition is as unique as the patient themselves, and should be treated as such.

If something shows up in my blood work and/or test results, would the doctor at BIMG be considered my treating physician?

If any medical condition or problem is discovered while the physician is reviewing your blood work and test results, s/he will inform you (the patient) of the problem, but will not be considered the treating physician.  Once you return home, you will need to discuss these test results with your primary care physician. 

In the event of an urgent issue, the physicians at Branyon Integrative Medical Group have good standing with several local hospitals and specialists, and will refer you to their care.

Is blood work and testing included in the cost of treatment?

Any blood work, testing, or additional medical procedures required for the treatment are not included in treatment price.

Once I schedule my treatment, how do I get there?

What if I become too ill to make my scheduled appointment?

Stay in touch with us; let us know how you're doing!  We'll be more than happy to work with you to reschedule your appointment.

Cost

How much does stem cell therapy cost?

Because each patient's condition is unique, the cost per stem cell treatment varies from patient to patient.  Branyon Integrative Medical Group is committed to providing the highest-quality services to its patients at the fairest price available.

What forms of payment to you currently accept?

Payment for treatment is accepted in the form of Wire Transfer and Cashier’s Check/Money Order.  Please remember that any payment must be cleared through the bank before Branyon Integrative Medical Group can order your specialized treatment supplies from the laboratory.

Stem Cell Therapy

Is it legal to receive stem cell treatments in the U.S.?

At this time, umbilical cord blood stem cells are not approved for use in the United States and are not FDA approved.  While we wish to provide the best, most convenient treatment options to our patients, it would be morally and ethically irresponsible to administer stem cell treatment in the United States.  Because of this, all patients interested in stem cell therapy are referred to one of our partner locations in either Mexico or Panama. 

What are stem cells and how can they help me?

Stem cells are the original (primordial) cells produced in the human body, with the capability to differentiate along any line or into any type of cell.  Basically, these cells are the “building blocks” that are used to create life.  Stem cells are responsible for building and repairing every part of the body.

What is the difference between embryonic stem cells and Umbilical Cord Blood stem cells?

The major difference between the two types of stem cells is their origins.  Embryonic stem cells are normally derived from human embryos that are fertilized in vitro and then donated for research purposes.  Contrary to popular belief, most embryonic stem cells are fertilized and grown in a laboratory, when the embryos are four to five days old.

Umbilical Cord Blood stem cells are derived from blood extracted from the umbilical cord immediately after a full-term live, healthy human birth.  Normally, the umbilical cord is considered medical waste after the delivery procedure, and will be disposed of unless it is donated.  The parents of the newborn will agree before birth to donate the umbilical cord to a laboratory, as well as sign any necessary consent forms.  The parents are not paid for the umbilical cord. 

While both stem cell types have potential benefits, Branyon Integrative Medical Group chooses to study only Umbilical Cord Blood stem cells. There are several reasons for this, both ethical and medical.  It has been in several studies that embryonic stem cells, when stored for longer periods, have the potential to create certain chromosomal anomalies that may develop into cancer cells once introduced into the host. Umbilical cord blood stem cells have not, to the best of our knowledge, shown any signs of developing into cancer cells.

Are Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells safe?

Umbilical cord blood stem cells are currently being used in the treatment for various types of cancers, bone marrow conditions, blood disorders, and immunodeficiencies.  In addition, many research studies and clinical trials have been conducted in countries around the world.  These studies have shown few or no negative side effects following the administration of the umbilical cord blood stem cells.  However, it is important to ask the administering physician several questions, including:

•  How were the cells harvested?
•  What is the viability (capability of surviving and living successfully) of the stem cells?
•  Does the manufacturing laboratory adhere to cGLP (current Good Laboratory Practices)?
•  Have the stem cells been tested by an independent laboratory for diseases and/or other conditions that may potentially cause me harm?

 Cost of Treatment

How much does stem cell therapy cost?

Because each patient’s condition is unique, the cost per stem cell treatment varies for patient to patient.  Branyon Integrative Medical Group is committed to providing the highest-quality services to its patients at the most affordable prices available.  For more information on treatment pricing, please contact us.

What forms of payment do you currently accept?

Payment for treatment is accepted in the form of check, money order, and wire transfer.  Also, financing is available for patients who qualify.

Privacy

Who will know about my treatment?

Branyon Integrative Medical Group believes that your treatment should be completely confidential and we work very hard to be sure that your personal and medical information is kept private.  Our promise to you:

• Only relevant staff members will have access to your personal and medical information.
• Although we do use treatment information to compile research and clinical studies, we do not share your personal information with anyone without your written permission.
• Each patient’s file is assigned a control number, which is used instead of confidential patient information.  Any research or clinical studies compiled by the Directors of Branyon Integrative Medical Group will use this control number to reference any medical tests and/or results.

Branyon Integrative Medical Group values your privacy.  If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the confidentiality of your personal or medical information, please feel free to contact us.