FAQ

Frequently Asked QuestionsPRP, stem cells, insurance, and your visit

Straight answers from board-certified physicians. If your question is not here, call us or send a message.

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FAQ

Questions About PRP Injections

What are PRP injections and how do they work?

PRP injections use your own blood to support healing. Your physician draws a blood sample, processes it to concentrate the platelets, which release healing proteins called growth factors, and places the PRP into the injured area with ultrasound or x-ray guidance.

What conditions can PRP treat?

PRP is used for many conditions of the hip, knee, arm, shoulder, lower leg, and foot, including acute muscle tears and strains, chronic tendon problems such as tennis elbow and Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, ligament injuries such as MCL and LCL sprains, and osteoarthritis. Ask your physician about your specific condition.

How many PRP injections will I need?

In most cases, one to three injections.

When will I notice improvement?

Many patients notice some improvement within two to six weeks, with pain continuing to ease over the following weeks. Some studies report benefits lasting many months. Results vary.

What happens at the injury site?

The concentrated platelets release growth factors that start a controlled inflammatory response, which is the first step of the body’s natural healing process.

What should I expect after the injection?

Soreness and swelling are common for the first 48 hours as the healing response begins. Your physician will explain which pain relievers to use.

Is PRP safe?

PRP uses your own blood, so there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission. As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection.

Who should not have PRP?

PRP is not recommended for people with severe anemia, a low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, an active body-wide infection, or active cancer.

Is PRP an alternative to surgery?

For some patients, yes. It may suit people who prefer a less invasive option or who cannot have surgery, and recovery is usually much shorter.

Why does the doctor’s experience matter?

Results are more likely to be favorable when the physician is experienced and skilled in image-guided injections.

FAQ

Questions About Stem Cells

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are immature cells found throughout life that can multiply and develop into more specialized cells. They are found in bone marrow, blood, and tissues such as fat.

Where do the cells come from at MCRM?

Our physicians most often use your own bone marrow, usually collected from the back of the hip. In some cases your own adipose (fat) tissue may be used, prepared within FDA rules.

Are my own stem cells better than donor cells?

We use only your own (autologous) cells. Your own cells are generally well tolerated and carry no risk of rejection, while donor cells, such as umbilical cord products, carry a small risk of rejection.

Does age or gender matter?

The amount and quality of stem cells vary with age, genetics, and overall health. There is no significant difference between men and women.

Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?

It depends on the product and the use. Many regenerative treatments are not FDA-approved for specific conditions. Your physician will explain the status for your treatment.

FAQ

Questions About Insurance and Cost

Does insurance cover regenerative treatment?

Regenerative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy are usually self-pay. Consultations, EMG testing, and many conventional procedures can be billed to insurance.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

See our insurance accepted page for the current list.

Can I get a cost estimate?

Yes. Our team will give you cost information before you decide. See PRP treatment cost in Michigan.

Do you offer payment options?

Ask our team about prompt-pay discounts and payment plans. Many patients also use HSA or FSA funds for eligible expenses.

FAQ

Questions About Your Visit

How do I schedule a consultation?

Call (248) 216-1008 for Rochester Hills or (616) 288-1109 for Grand Rapids to request one.

What should I bring?

Bring any X-ray or MRI reports, a list of your medications and supplements, and notes on your symptoms and past treatments. New patients can complete the intake form online.

Do you see patients from out of town?

Yes. See our out-of-town patients page for planning tips.

Are any visits online?

Functional medicine is offered entirely by telehealth. Joint, spine, and nerve care starts with an in-person exam.

Insurance & cost

Insurance, Self-Pay, and Clear Pricing

We accept many major insurance plans for consultations, testing, and many spine and joint procedures. Regenerative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy are usually self-pay, so you get a clear estimate before you decide.

Usually billed to insurance

Consultations and office visits
EMG and nerve testing
Epidural, facet, and SI joint injections
Nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve stimulators

Usually self-pay

PRP and stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Prolotherapy
PRP hair restoration
Stem cell banking

Self-pay options include prompt-pay discounts, payment plans, and HSA or FSA funds for eligible expenses.

See accepted insurance PRP cost guide

Plans we accept

PPO Trust

UMR coming soon. Blue Care Network plans require a referral. Coverage varies by plan and service, so call Rochester Hills (248) 216-1008 or Grand Rapids (616) 288-1109 and we will check your benefits.

Why patients choose MCRM

Board-certified physicians Every procedure is performed by a board-certified physician, not a technician.
Image-guided precision Ultrasound or fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance places treatment exactly where it is needed.
Your own cells, prepared on site Platelets and bone marrow cells are processed in our in-house lab during your visit.
Results we track We have reported patient outcomes to the DataBiologics registry since 2019.
Clear, upfront pricing Itemized estimates before treatment, prompt-pay discounts, and payment plans.
Physicians who teach physicians Our doctors teach orthobiologic courses and helped write national back pain guidelines.