Thank you for contacting Melbourne Stem Cell Centre. We appreciate you taking the time to enquire about our treatment options. On Monday 27th May MSCC notified the media with a press release detailing the great results of our randomised control trial treating knee Osteoarthritis. This release has created a high influx of calls and emails, we ask that you be patient with us getting back to you.
In the meantime, please feel free to browse over the below information to better acquaint yourself with our current therapies and general pricing.
Why Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stromal Stem Cells are rudimentary cells with the potential to stimulate other cells within the body. Melbourne Stem Cell Centre doctors can harvest your adult stem cells in a small liposuction procedure. The stem cells are then isolated from the other cells extracted during the procedure, including fat cells. The stem cells are then specially prepared and expanded, in the laboratory of our partner Magellan stem cells, before being used for osteoarthritis treatment. Our recent clinical trial has showed both statistical and clinically significant pain and function improvement following stem cell therapy in 85 per cent of patients.
Why MSCC?
MSCC’s treatment protocol has been ethically approved by Charles Sturt University. This uses a pure, high-dose stem cell population (as this has had success in recent scientific literature) and verification of the cell number, cell viability, and sterility is conducted off site, prior to injection. All patients are strictly followed up to assess outcome and to add to the growing scientific knowledge regarding stem cell therapies. Your response to treatment will be regularly followed up to maximise potential improvement.
What conditions to we treat?
Currently at Melbourne stem cell centre we treat osteoarthritis. There may be future treatments for other conditions and we regularly inform all our patients of any developments. To keep up to date with upcoming treatments and trials we recommend you visit the ANZCTR trial registry website www.anzctr.org.au .
Do I need a consultation first?
Prior to any treatment you will receive a thorough ‘arthritis health care’ consultation with one of our musculoskeletal specialists. This includes a full biomechanical assessment, discussion of current pain management treatments and review of formal imaging. Your suitability for other ‘biological therapeutic treatment’ options will be assessed. X-rays or MRI less than 6 months old is preferred for this appointment. The cost of the consultation is $240 on the day; if you bring a GP referral letter, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate of approximately. $70.
How much does it cost?
The cost for stem cell therapy depends on the individualised treatment plan formulated by your physician. Costs typically range from $7,100-$11,650AUD for the treatment of one joint. This includes the lipo-harvest procedure and two stem cell injections. Any additional treatment would be on top of this fee. Unfortunately, there are no Medicare or private health insurance rebates on our treatment.
I live interstate…
MSCC offer the option of having the initial consultation and assessment conducted via phone. This would require you to send a CD of your X-rays and/or MRI in the post with a phone registration form. The cost of the phone consult is $150AUD (with no Medicare rebate). If you decide to have stem cell therapy, your treatment will involve at least 3-5 trips to Melbourne over the course of 12 months.
I live overseas…
MSCC offer the option of having the initial consultation and assessment conducted via phone. This would require you to send a CD of your X-rays and/or MRI in the post with a phone registration form. The cost of the phone consult is $150AUD. Your stem cell therapy would require 3 separate trips to Melbourne for 2-3 weeks each. You may decide to combine the first two trips into an extended stay in Australia.
*The cost for stem cell therapy is 100% out of pocket. Medicare or private health funds do not subsidize any costs in the treatment of mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
If you would like a call to book an initial consultation with one of our specialists, please click the request a call button on our website and one of our team will give you a call.
With warmest regards,
Reception Team
Melbourne Stem Cell Centre
