Re: How to interview an orthotist?

[Guest guest]

First, we went to a very respected neurosurgeon who referred us to a

place that only does the headbands, Cranial Therapies in Toluca Lake,

CA. Our insurance, Cigna, suggested Hanger (I think that is spelled

correctly) because they were in network. They are Orthotists but also

work with artificial limbs et cetera. They were cheaper and closer so

I called and ask to speak to the Orthotist. I asked how many helmets

she had done; when was the last; how long does the average case last;

how often would we have office visits; who took the measurements;

what was the casting process like; how much did it weigh; who

manufactured it; et cetera. I really felt she knew the subject.

When it came right down to it though, we chose Cranial Therapies

since that is all they do every day. They are associated with Cranial

Technologies which has locations throughout the country. They use the

DOC band. On average it weighs 6oz. It cost $3733 but we got a 10%

discount if we paid in the first month. It was comforting to go into

the office because everybody else was there for the same reason and

there are pictures of others and success stories all over. They also

use an Anhropometrist for the measurements.

Our daughter started at 4 months and was done at 6 months. It worked

beautifully. Now if I could only get Cigna to stop denying payment,

life would be perfect! :-)

Anyway, wherever you go, don't delay. We waited a month to get into

Cranial Therapies and then it takes 2 weeks to make; not to mention

we waited almost a month to see Dr. McComb the neurosurgeon.

Best of Luck,

> How do you interview & make sure you are placing your childs care

> into qualified hands? The helmet/band thing is completely new to

> me, never even known anyone whose had a child in one. HELP!!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

That's an excellent question. We have a LINK in the LINKS section,

HELMETS AND BANDS folder that you may find helpful. I'll also copy

and paste the link here:

Questions To Ask The Orthotist/Clinician

Once an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment is

planned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or Treatment

Facility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list of

questions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician.

http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htm

I would also be interested in knowing if the helmet/band is FDA

approved, and if the band is " active " (apply gentle pressure to

actively recontour the head), or " passive " (relies on growth spurts

to fill into the rounded shape of the helmet.) I believe the

questions list mentions this similar subject in the question :

Is the band/helmet a molding helmet, or does it apply gentle

pressure? Does it have a name brand?

I hope this helps,

Christie

> How do you interview & make sure you are placing your childs care

> into qualified hands? The helmet/band thing is completely new to

> me, never even known anyone whose had a child in one. HELP!!

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group. I would suggest that you ask for B & A

photo's of prior patients. Percentage of successful banding

treatment with that particular product, and the education/experience

with Plagiocephaly and it's treatment options of the ACTUAL PERSON

THAT WILL BE OVERSEEING THE TREATMENT. Be specific, and demand

specific answers to the questions you are asking. There are privacy

laws which prohibit them from freely giving this information, but

with consent by the patient or patients guardian, they can release

this info. Good Luck and let us know what you think of them.

Dustie, mom to , DOCGrad'03

Texas

> How do you interview & make sure you are placing your childs care

> into qualified hands? The helmet/band thing is completely new to

> me, never even known anyone whose had a child in one. HELP!!