Re: Finally, deal settled with NOPCO

[Guest guest]

le,

I really think it would be worth continuing to push to get in there

sooner than 3 weeks in case growth during this time causes an initial

fit problem. Just for a comparison, I believe that Cranial Tech wants

a child under 6.5 months old to get the helmet no more than 10 days

after the cast (then I believe that extends to 2 weeks after 6.5

months of age).

Can you find out when they expect to actually receive the helmet back

from Orthomerica so you know what the soonest it would be even

possible to be fit is? Then, you could ask to get your name on a

cancelation list in case an appointment opens up from that date on.

You could even call every morning to see if a cancelation has happened

(a pain, but has worked for me for specialist appointments I wanted to

speed up for my daughter). Finally, you could perhaps get the doctor

who gave you the prescription involved? I'm not sure they would think

3 weeks is an OK delay. Perhaps call his/her office and ask them to

call NOPCO for you?

I'm so sorry to suggest more calls and pushing (I've been there and

know how difficult this whole thing is). But, I would definitely be a

squeaky wheel on this one because the initial fit is so critical.

Best Wishes,

, Mom to DOC grad 8/21/03

p

> > I'm so frustrated. After our first visit/scanning at NOPCO at

> > Children's Hospital Boston, I was told to call the next afternoon

> to

> > hear about our insurance coverage status for the starband. That

> was

> > last Thursday and I've called three times now and no one seems to

> be

> > calling me back. They are telling me that " his file " is off to

> the

> > next step at another office, but we will probably be fine. But the

> > band won't be ordered until I am contacted to give my okay for the

> > additional cost.....At this point, (after so long of hoping he

> > wouldn't have to wear one in the first place) I just want to get

> > started, already!!!!!!! I'm frustrated that this is what will

> delay

> > Jack's treatment.

> > Any thoughts on how to get the ball rolling a little faster? Have

> > any of you parents had this issue with NOPCO at CHB?

> > Frustrated, le

> > mom to Jack (almost 6months)

[Guest guest]

Hi le,

I'm sorry you aren't getting off on the right foot w/NOPCO. You

definitely have a valid concern though. At Jack's age his head will

just change and grow SO much in three weeks. Especially in a

passive helmet, you need every bit of growth you can catch and you

certainly don't want fit issues. At Cranial Tech all babies are

fitted w/in 2 weeks of casting and they try to do the younger babies

even earlier. I'd continute to pursue getting in earlier if you

can. GREAT news about your insurance though. All the adjustments

should be included in that price they gave you, so you shouldn't be

looking at anything out of pocket. When we went for a consult at

NOPCO last year it was all inclusive, so unless they've changed

their policy you're in the clear! WIth a good fitting helmet you

should be happily surprised at how well Jack will adjust. Please

keep us updated.

, mom to Hannah, DOC #3 3/30

Cape Cod, Ma

> > I'm so frustrated. After our first visit/scanning at NOPCO at

> > Children's Hospital Boston, I was told to call the next

afternoon

> to

> > hear about our insurance coverage status for the starband. That

> was

> > last Thursday and I've called three times now and no one seems

to

> be

> > calling me back. They are telling me that " his file " is off to

> the

> > next step at another office, but we will probably be fine. But

the

> > band won't be ordered until I am contacted to give my okay for

the

> > additional cost.....At this point, (after so long of hoping he

> > wouldn't have to wear one in the first place) I just want to get

> > started, already!!!!!!! I'm frustrated that this is what will

> delay

> > Jack's treatment.

> > Any thoughts on how to get the ball rolling a little faster?

Have

> > any of you parents had this issue with NOPCO at CHB?

> > Frustrated, le

> > mom to Jack (almost 6months)

[Guest guest]

le,

I just wanted to loudly second everything you've already been told!

I'd be very leary of that must time in between casting/scanning and

fitting.

-- In Plagiocephaly , " danirich75 " <danirich75@y...>

wrote:

> Well, after raising my voice a few times, things were finally

> figured out and Jack's band was ordered two days ago and his first

> fitting appointment is april 27th. That will be almost three weeks

> from the scanning date.........UGH. I have asked if it can be

> earlier, but to no avail. I hope he doesn't grow too much before

> then!!!!!! Sure, another thing to worry about.

> The one piece of good news (for our wallet, anyway) is that his

band

> is covered in full, 100% by our insurance. Thank goodness! Of

> course we would have found the $$$$, but 100% is a welcome

surprise!

> If we have to pay for adjustments, I guess we'll just do it. Have

> many of you found that 100% means 100% or is there small print

> somewhere??!?!?!

> So now I wait and think about how its all going to go.......will he

> hate it, scream bloody murder for 2-3months, or will he adjust and

> forget he's wearing anything? I wonder.

> I'll be SURE to keep you all in touch with how things go. I look

> forward to putting my thoughts on the keyboard!

> Thank you for all your guidance and kind words.

> le

>

> > I'm so frustrated. After our first visit/scanning at NOPCO at

> > Children's Hospital Boston, I was told to call the next afternoon

> to

> > hear about our insurance coverage status for the starband. That

> was

> > last Thursday and I've called three times now and no one seems to

> be

> > calling me back. They are telling me that " his file " is off to

> the

> > next step at another office, but we will probably be fine. But

the

> > band won't be ordered until I am contacted to give my okay for

the

> > additional cost.....At this point, (after so long of hoping he

> > wouldn't have to wear one in the first place) I just want to get

> > started, already!!!!!!! I'm frustrated that this is what will

> delay

> > Jack's treatment.

> > Any thoughts on how to get the ball rolling a little faster?

Have

> > any of you parents had this issue with NOPCO at CHB?

> > Frustrated, le

> > mom to Jack (almost 6months)

[Guest guest]

le,

I'm glad you have found out things are progressing with Jack's

band. At his age, that 3 week gap between scanning and fitting is

somewhat lengthy, so make sure you are totally comfortable with the

fit at your appt. Also, great advice in another reply your post

received - maybe the band will be in sooner, and you can get on a

cancellation list to try and snag an earlier appt.! Worth a shot

anyway. Also, wonderful to hear about the insurance coverage.

Please post when you can after Jack's fitting on the 27th to let us

know how it goes!

Take care,

Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy)

> > I'm so frustrated. After our first visit/scanning at NOPCO at

> > Children's Hospital Boston, I was told to call the next

afternoon

> to

> > hear about our insurance coverage status for the starband. That

> was

> > last Thursday and I've called three times now and no one seems

to

> be

> > calling me back. They are telling me that " his file " is off to

> the

> > next step at another office, but we will probably be fine. But

the

> > band won't be ordered until I am contacted to give my okay for

the

> > additional cost.....At this point, (after so long of hoping he

> > wouldn't have to wear one in the first place) I just want to get

> > started, already!!!!!!! I'm frustrated that this is what will

> delay

> > Jack's treatment.

> > Any thoughts on how to get the ball rolling a little faster?

Have

> > any of you parents had this issue with NOPCO at CHB?

> > Frustrated, le

> > mom to Jack (almost 6months)