Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) sometimes referred to as Autologous (using patient’s own blood) is exactly that, a component harvested from someone’s blood whereby a high number of platelets are concentrated. Platelets are known to aid in the healing process of all wounds and therefore the regeneration of cells. New data show that platelets release large doses of bioactive proteins, known as growth factors responsible for attracting macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts which promote the removal of necrotic tissue and enhance tissue regeneration and repair.
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy provides an excellent revenue stream with reimbursements averaging $600.00 – $1500.00 per treatment, depending on the specific treatment. We anticipate those figures growing substantially as more insurance providers come on board with coverage of the therapy and Medicare coverage looks very favorable by year’s end.
Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP – History
Platelets are responsible for the process of hemostasis, development of new connective tissue, and restoration of blood circulation. A blood specimen typically contains 93% RBC, 6% Platelets, and 1% WBC. The foundation for the benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma is by inverting the blood ratio of RBC to 5%, and increasing platelets to 94% to stimulate recovery. Platelet Rich Plasma has demonstrated potential for relieving pain by promoting healing of several conditions. Recent advances in methods for Platelet Rich Plasma preparation and use have made it possible for physicians in the United States to take advantage of this concentrated form of growth factors from the patient’s blood and turn it into a healing mechanism.
In the early 2000’s, the use of Platelet Rich Plasma extended into orthopedics to boost healing in bone grafts and fractures. Continued success encouraged its use in sports medicine for connective tissue repair. The first human study published by Mishra and Pavelko, associated with Stanford University, supported the use of PRP for chronic elbow tendinitis in 2006. This study reported a 60% improvement immediately, 81% at 6 months and 93% decrease in pain at the final two year follow up. In 2008, Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver, Hines Ward, received PRP for a knee medial collateral ligament sprain, and credited Platelet Rich Plasma for his ability to play and win Super Bowl XLII.
Since then, other high profile athletes, such as Takashi Saito, pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers, and championship golfer Tiger Woods attributed Platelet Rich Plasma for helping them return to their respective sport. Canadian Olympic figure skater Kaetlyn Osmond and several American football players are also reported to have benefited from having this treatment in recent years as it has become acceptable and more available globally. Most recently, Platelet Rich Plasma made news in the Sports World again after Brandon Workman, pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, utilized the therapy. http://www.masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2015/04/boston_red_sox_injury_update_b.html
Although some skepticism and controversy remains, studies continue to validate the use of Platelet Rich Plasma for chronic elbow tendonitis, degenerative knee cartilage, jumper’s knee, knee osteoarthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, muscle strain and tears, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff Tendonopathy and many more applications.
The Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP Procedure is fast and relatively painless
PRP Procedure Performed On Left Elbow. Clinical Studies Have Shown Indications That PRP Can Be Used For Tennis Elbow Treatments.
The Platelet Rich Plasma procedure is relatively quick. To develop a Platelet Rich Plasma preparation, 17 cc of the patient’s blood is drawn, then placed into our kits and then into a FDA cleared centrifuge device which is then spun at 1300 RCF 9 minutes (approx 2700 RPM). The centrifuge is used to separate the PRP from PPP and RBC components. After the blood has been separated and extracted into a syringe, the physician will then inject the concentrated PRP into the site of the patient’s injury. The Platelet Rich Plasma injection takes less than 1 hour including the preparation and recovery time. Dependent upon the injury location and severity, as well as the varied response from patient to patient, the number of injections recommended may vary from a single injection up to 3–5 treatments. However, since Platelet Rich Plasma is regenerative and autologous, there is no limit on the number of treatments.
Platelet Rich Plasma can be used in most individuals and due to the autologous nature of Platelet Rich Plasma and is also appropriate for minors with parental/guardian approval.
Physicians can reap the financial benefits of offering Platelet Rich Plasma as well as benefiting patient health. For more information on this and other Ancillary Medical Solutions, contact us and we will have one of our Certified Ancillary Consultants contact you.