FAQ'S
Please enjoy these FAQ'S. If you do not find and answer to your question, feel free to contact one of our medical assistants at 573.664.1215
What are the differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?
Adult and embryonic cells differ in the type of cells that they can develop into. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body (they are pluripotent).
On the other hand, Adult stem cells are found in mature tissues (blood, bone marrow, fat tissue-skin, brain, etc.) and give rise to other cell types from their tissue or origin (they are multipotent).
Have human embryonic stem cells been used successfully to treat any human diseases yet?
Embryonic stem cells definitely have the potential of successfully treating human disease, the problems and controversy are the ethical considerations from the origin of the stem cells from human fetuses and the potential for inducing proto-oncogenes and ending up with unwanted tumor formation.
That is the main reason that we steer away from embryonic origin stem cells and use your adult stem cells such as blood-forming stem cells from blood or bone marrow (called hematopoietic stem cells, or very small embryonic-like stem cells ) that have been active for over decades. And this research has resulted in treatment of patients; for example, bone marrow (stem cell) transplants have been conducted for over 40 years. To avoid pain, we can extract these cells from your own blood and decrease discomfort for patients.
Stem Cell Regeneration MD has seen many patients provide positive reports on Stem Cell Regeneration MD treatments.
What is the difference between common Stem Cell therapy and stem cell regeneration MD therapy?
Stem cell therapies use embryonic and/or animal stem cells and subsequently implant them into your body. These sorts of medical treatments have been illegal and unethical in the U.S. up to date. Other international hubs for stem cells use placenta derived stem cells, which have a fantastic efficacy, but can induce the potential for gene translocation to your own cells and induce long term complications, increase risk for infections, and the infamous graft versus host disease, which comes from a rejections of your body to the glycoproteins expressed on the surface of the cells.
On the other hand, Stem Cell Regeneration MD uses your own body's stem Cells, treating them in the lab and replacing the stimulated cells to your body to regenerate and grow new healthy cells that can potentially fight diseases. Our process is 100% ethical and deemed safe and legal by the FDA. It is a lengthy and laborious process that we take on to ensure optimal safety and outcomes for all of our patients.
How do I apply to become a patient?
To begin the Patient Application process click here. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us today! Your application will be reviewed and a treatment specialist will arrange a consultation.
How are the stem cells collected for regeneration?
Autologous stem cells are collected from your own body through extracting blood, fat, or bone marrow. Our proprietary extraction techniques are done in-office comfortably using local and regional anesthesia to allow for patient comfort throughout the process as an outpatient procedure with the fastest recovery available. The stem cells are then isolated, activated and proliferated in our onsite lab and prepared for use with your individualized optimal treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
Patients will be with us on average for 3-4 days. The first day of arrival is a new patient orientation followed by a one-on-one consultation with your doctor for a comprehensive, clinical diagnostic evaluation. The second day is the extraction of your stem cells based upon clinical criteria. Upon extraction, you will get some down time to relax for the rest of the day while we process your stem cells in our facility lab for your subsequent treatment on the following day. Your stem cells are administered to target your unique treatment areas of inflammation or disease to achieve potentially outstanding results. You will be able to fly back home immediately after completing the procedure without the risk factors of a general anesthesia.
How are the stem cells administered?
Methods of administration vary based on treatment protocols and they include: Intravenous (IV) or intra-arterial, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intra-articular, nebulized (inhalational), intranasal, eye drops, or injected directly into joints, ligaments or affected organ.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Generally speaking, aside from the initial soreness at the injection site, the patient will not experience much discomfort and rarely any long-term side effects from using autologous stem cells (from your own body- It belongs to you! ).
How long will it take to see results?
Many of our patients start seeing positive results as soon as 4 hours after treatment. Continued improvement can be seen in 2-6 months, depending on the complexity of your disease or injury. Each patient is unique, most of the patients are highly satisfied with the clinical outcomes of regeneration and pain reduction. There is a variable degree of response or how quickly the positive effects may be observed from patient to patient. That is dependent upon age and level of inflammation related with the wear & tear of the area being treated.
Do patients travel to Missouri to receive stem cell therapy?
Yes, most of all our treatments are conducted in Beautiful Missouri, USA! Unlike other Stem Cell centers who send their patients out of the country for treatments, we have patients that come from all around the world to Missouri for our exclusive Stem Cell Regeneration therapies. The procedure is minimally invasive so patients can safely and comfortably return home the afternoon of the day after their stem cell treatment.
Is physical therapy or rehabilitation available?
For some patients, physical therapy may be recommended by our medical team and provided during the course of treatment.
Will I be prescribed any drugs?
Depending on the complexity of the case, we may prescribe additional medications to mitigate discomfort and reduce risk of infection. Stem cells are a fantastic anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial as they help to induce your immune response and lower inflammation on their own. To avoid pain we might use (in certain cases) pain control medications, but we try pain medication alternatives as our first solution.
Nutritional IVs or other specialized treatments may be suggested to optimize the stem cell effects.
Will insurance cover the cost of treatment?
In most cases, insurance companies do not currently cover stem cell therapy.
When will I receive CONSULTATION?
Each case is received by a first line expert stem cell patient liason. Your case is then internally reviewed with Dr Olivero or one of our expert consultants to evaluate if Regeneration Stem Cell MD therapy can provide potentially positive outcomes for your unique injury or disease state. If you are deemed a candidate for Stem Cell Regeneration MD Therapy with a potentially positive outcome, a preliminary and complimentary 15 minute general consultation will be scheduled with the Dr. If you feel that our unique protocols match your expectations, then we will schedule a specialized comprehensive, multi-specialty consultation to develop a treatment plan for an additional fee. Complexity degree of difficulty of each individual case determines the consultation type and associated fee. Medical history, medications, treatment options, concerns and expected outcomes are all discussed.
How much does this treatment cost?
Fees for services start at $7,500 or higher depending on our recommended treatment protocol. If approved for treatment . One of our patient coordinators will assist you with travel, lodging, scheduling…
Is there financial assistance available?
We offer patients the ability to finance a portion of their treatment through www.LightStream.com if needed. Please inquire with one of our patient coordinators for more details.
Is this procedure FDA approved?
Our autologous treatments are in compliance with the FDA’s latest guidance which defines “homologous use” and “minimal manipulation.” The full guidance document can be found HERE.
It’s important for potential patients to do their own research based on the options that we present so that one can make an informed decision. Any decision to participate in our patient funded protocols is completely voluntary.
No statements or implied treatments on this website have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. This website contains no medical advice. All statements and opinions provided by this website are provided for educational and informational purposes only and we do not diagnose or treat via this website until direct clinical encounter has been established with the patient.
Candidacy for treatment?
Our medical team takes multiple factors into account when determining a patient’s candidacy for stem cell regeneration therapy. There are multiple factors that could exclude a patient from receiving treatment. Patients must complete a medical history evaluation form to determine their candidacy before scheduling their treatment. Start consideration for the NEW you by clicking HERE.