keeping headband companies accountable

[Guest guest]

I've been reading posts about the 2nd headband debate and about the

skepticism over the customer relations practices of the Atlanta CT office. I

just wanted to support you guys in your questioning.

When it comes to our babies and their medical needs, we are vulnerable people

and may be targets for money-makers. I don't want to accuse CT or Starband or

any other helmet makers. Their products are providing a needed service. But I

think it's good that we question . . . and even compare the practices of

these different companies.

When I took to one children's hospital (not CHOP in Phili) a headband

representative from one of these companies accompanied the neurosurgeon who

diagnosed as having plagiocephaly. Right there in his office I got an

info-mercial on her company's product. She made it sound like her company's

band was the only good thing on the market and she failed to tell me that

there was another product that was also FDA approved.

I guess I feel that some of the heavy-handed marketing on mothers who are

vulnerable is a little unethical. It seems like immediately pumping mothers

to expect a second band before the first is even casted would fall into the

same category.

Thank God I saw another neurosurgeon in Phili because needed a second

opinion to rule out syntosis. He couldn't have cared less which device I

used. He told me they both do the same thing and gave me the facts on both,

including the resources to do some price and product comparisons. I was able

to choose which product I would go with based on our needs.

Unfortunately, it seems that even the helmet industry needs consumer

watchdogs to keep it accountable.

and

[Guest guest]

I agree. I don't know yet about the bands but I think with

everything we must question. If any company is worth it's salt, they

welcome compairisons as a way to educate you more on their product.

(not just with helmets either) Thank you for your insightful post.

Sams mom 4/11/00

[Guest guest]

:

You are so right!!! I hate to sound like I'm ungrateful for my

daughter's Star Band, but what a rip off! Hers cost just over

$1,000.00 and there cannot be any more than $50.00 or material. Yes,

there's a lot to custom molding this band, and a lot to the fittings

and check ups of them, but it is a complete rip off. As parents,

we'd pay almost any amount of money to give our child the help needed

and these places know that. Of course DOC, StarBand and others are

in it to make a profit, as all businesses are. I've heard from other

moms that the DOC band costs $3,000.00, our StarBand

$1,072.00.........why is the DOC band 3 times as expensive? They

look pretty much the same.....however, I was told by a CT rep that

the DOC band is the most successful band (which may be true). I'm

also wondering if CT was the company trying to get a patent on these

bands, resulting in the FDA to place a stop to other helmet making

over the past summer, which delayed our daughter's receiving the

band?? Anyone know about that? Anyhow, I'm going to go off on a

rant here, so I better stop. But I'm glad someone else shares my

opinion. Again, I am so very grateful these bands are available.

Debbie (Abby's mom 3/1/00, band 11/4/00)

[Guest guest]

I glad I have this sight to help me make choices. When I looked at

our hosp. web sight, they said they have the staff to fit the helmets

there. I wonder if I will have a choice. Did you get to 'go

shopping' for the one you wanted?

Thanks ]

, sams mom

4/11/00