Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying the summer before school starts. Just a little update... We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results with both. Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now this. Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. Starband-guy!!! JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Boy that's a tough one!!! But here's the thing, i'm sure there are plenty of people here who have had great success with StarBand. And i'm personally a DOC person. May even pay full price for another band. But closer and monitored by a Dr. is really nice. And the price is nice. So if they don't fit correctly, they replace it and make it better right? I don't know, I did grow up with " you get what you pay for " But that's a tough one. Sorry insurance denied. What a PITA!!!! I have to call my insurance and see if they'll pay for a 2nd band now. We have new insurance so who knows. Good luck tomorrow!!!! Deb and in NJ > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Argh...where's the insurance fairy when I need her! Thanks for the luck, I need it! JEN > > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on > for > > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and > wrote > > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good > results > > with both. > > > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all > day > > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less > practice > > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, > knowing > > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to > say > > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit > correctly. > > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > > this. > > > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT > people > > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product > does > > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't > I?) > > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with > the > > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be > monitored > > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them > with > > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > > Starband-guy!!! > > > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Jen - I think this answered your dilemma- you said, " fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. " I have had a bad experience with an unexperienced Ortho. Yes, my son is in a Starband, but if the Ortho. isn't good go to CT. We found a good Orthotist in our area and we have had wonderful results with the Starband. It is incredibly important to find an excellent Orthotist. They can make it or break it. Good Luck, Krissy ph's mom Starband 4/28/04 Palm Harbor, FL On Aug 17, 2004, at 9:28 PM, lovemybeetle wrote: > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ > > > > > For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Any suggestions on finding the best orthotist? We've been directed to Nouveau Orthotists which from what I can tell has several locations in NJ, one of which has the scanner for the starband. I'm going to grill them person on who has the most experience, I guess. Any New Jersey STARBAND users speak up! Who is your orthotist?? Are they good? I've got my list of questions for tomorrow and I'm goin' in swinging! JEN > > > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > > with both. > > > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > > this. > > > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > > Starband-guy!!! > > > > JEN in Brick, NJ > > > > > > > > > > For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Hi Jen, My name is Laurie, I'm fairly new to the group, read the messages more than reply, but your letter reminded me of how I felt a few days ago. My daughter (6 mos) has plagio. we were trying to decide between a Hanger band that was local and had the laser (so no casting!) vs. a DOC band that was over 2 hours away and required casting. I set up appointments with both of them and end in the end my " gut " told me to go with the DOC band. One of the things that helped me decide was that when I asked about the time frame, the DOC band felt that she would do well in about 3 mos vs. 6 mos that I was told by the local Hanger band. My guess is that it will be somewhere in the middle! Also another factor was that the DOC provider is also a PT and my daughter also has some tort. I also have been denied for any band from my insurance so that really didn't play into it; except for the DOC band is more expensive...oh well. You might ask for some references of people that have had the bands your looking at, I suppose it couldn't hurt. Anyways, good luck with your decision. As the other members stated and from what I've heard it is the orthotist that makes the difference! Laurie (mom of - waiting for DOC band) - In Plagiocephaly , " lovemybeetle " <greenbeetle@e...> wrote: > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Hi Jen, I'm in Bedminster, NJ. We went with the DOC band from CT. Funny that at the time, I didn't know there were any other companies! The good news is that 2 1/2 weeks later we've seen marked improvement for my 4 month old son and I couldn't be happier with our decision. We were prepared to pay the $3,000 out-of-pocket and I've had nothing but trouble with my insurance company who told Wanda at CT that " they didn't cover Orthotics " when they had told me that the band was Durable Medical Equipment which was covered. I got all of my research together to fight it and we just got a check for $2400! I can't believe it (I " m still spinning) and I'm not sure how it happened so quickly (less than a month). In any case, there are many success stories of appeals so if you do go with CT, don't think to give up on your insurance co. Also, I would agree to go with your " gut " . Paramus is an hour away from us and the drive is absolutely awful but in the long run, I think it's worth it. Email me with questions if you have any! I would personally ask for Sherri if you have your consulation with CT. leigh (leighstulack@...) Will 4/11/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2004 Report Share Posted August 17, 2004 Wow...I guess the insurance fairy was with YOU today. Can I ask what insurance you have? We have Empire BC/BS but I usually have Horizon BC/BS - or will when I go back to work in 2 weeks. Do you think it would help if I called the ins. company directly and asked about policies, etc? Congrats on the victory! JEN > Hi Jen, > I'm in Bedminster, NJ. We went with the DOC band from CT. Funny that > at the time, I didn't know there were any other companies! The good > news is that 2 1/2 weeks later we've seen marked improvement for my > 4 month old son and I couldn't be happier with our decision. We were > prepared to pay the $3,000 out-of-pocket and I've had nothing but > trouble with my insurance company who told Wanda at CT that " they > didn't cover Orthotics " when they had told me that the band was > Durable Medical Equipment which was covered. I got all of my > research together to fight it and we just got a check for $2400! I > can't believe it (I " m still spinning) and I'm not sure how it > happened so quickly (less than a month). In any case, there are many > success stories of appeals so if you do go with CT, don't think to > give up on your insurance co. Also, I would agree to go with > your " gut " . Paramus is an hour away from us and the drive is > absolutely awful but in the long run, I think it's worth it. Email > me with questions if you have any! I would personally ask for Sherri > if you have your consulation with CT. > > leigh (leighstulack@h...) > Will 4/11/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hi! THis is the other Jen in NJ... We have had the doc band for about a week. The casting is really not that big of a deal and we had to do it twice! so don't worry about that. We have been happy with CT so far, and we are going back today for a visit. My band is covered in network by NJ Plus which is Horizon BC I believe. My friend at work was covered out of network because she got the prescription from the neuro. I got it from my ped. Dr. hall was highly recommended to me too, although we didn't go. I'm sure he will be fine either way. Especially if he is monitored. Good luck! jenn and in NJ > > Hi Jen, > > I'm in Bedminster, NJ. We went with the DOC band from CT. Funny > that > > at the time, I didn't know there were any other companies! The > good > > news is that 2 1/2 weeks later we've seen marked improvement for > my > > 4 month old son and I couldn't be happier with our decision. We > were > > prepared to pay the $3,000 out-of-pocket and I've had nothing but > > trouble with my insurance company who told Wanda at CT that " they > > didn't cover Orthotics " when they had told me that the band was > > Durable Medical Equipment which was covered. I got all of my > > research together to fight it and we just got a check for $2400! I > > can't believe it (I " m still spinning) and I'm not sure how it > > happened so quickly (less than a month). In any case, there are > many > > success stories of appeals so if you do go with CT, don't think to > > give up on your insurance co. Also, I would agree to go with > > your " gut " . Paramus is an hour away from us and the drive is > > absolutely awful but in the long run, I think it's worth it. Email > > me with questions if you have any! I would personally ask for > Sherri > > if you have your consulation with CT. > > > > leigh (leighstulack@h...) > > Will 4/11/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hi Jen! I see you have rec'd some awesome advice so far so I will just welcome you to the group! Dustie, mom to , DOCGrad'03 Texas > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Thanks...I'm glad things are going well for you. Did get used to the band quickly? Any adjustment period? I'm thinking of calling the insurance today and grilling them about coverage. Hey, can't hurt (I hope!) JEN > > > Hi Jen, > > > I'm in Bedminster, NJ. We went with the DOC band from CT. Funny > > that > > > at the time, I didn't know there were any other companies! The > > good > > > news is that 2 1/2 weeks later we've seen marked improvement for > > my > > > 4 month old son and I couldn't be happier with our decision. We > > were > > > prepared to pay the $3,000 out-of-pocket and I've had nothing > but > > > trouble with my insurance company who told Wanda at CT > that " they > > > didn't cover Orthotics " when they had told me that the band was > > > Durable Medical Equipment which was covered. I got all of my > > > research together to fight it and we just got a check for $2400! > I > > > can't believe it (I " m still spinning) and I'm not sure how it > > > happened so quickly (less than a month). In any case, there are > > many > > > success stories of appeals so if you do go with CT, don't think > to > > > give up on your insurance co. Also, I would agree to go with > > > your " gut " . Paramus is an hour away from us and the drive is > > > absolutely awful but in the long run, I think it's worth it. > Email > > > me with questions if you have any! I would personally ask for > > Sherri > > > if you have your consulation with CT. > > > > > > leigh (leighstulack@h...) > > > Will 4/11/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hi Jen, I'd have to agree w/Krissy on this one. Two bad fits is not a good thing! Even if Dr. Fancy Pants does catch it, it still wastes your time which is also precious rounding time for Miles. I'd go for CT and fight your insurance. , mom to Hannah (19 mos), DOCgrad 7/29 after 3 bands Cape Cod, Ma > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hey Jen Interview the doc that will be doing the STARband. Make sure that IF anything goes wrong they don't cutNpaste around on the band, but make a NEW one with NO questions asked. Make sure you let them know that 2 of their fits came back bad, and maybe they can tell you why. I really can't tell you which way to go. You will have to do that. I'm sure you will find plenty of folks that were really happy with the STARband, and had awsome results. Let us know which band you decide on Sandy WIllow's Mom > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2004 Report Share Posted August 18, 2004 Hey Jen, How did it go today? You may have this already. If so........sorry. I am busy trying to catch up today :-) , mom to Makenna, llumc helmet grad '03 > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2004 Report Share Posted August 19, 2004 Jen I can't wait to hear what you found out. We went w/a Star where they had the laser and the ortho (who does work on other things but he is THEE helmet guy) has been nothing short of excellent. I would love to hear how you felt about the ortho at the scanner place. BTW, you are funny! Seeing Dr. Fancy pants sounds good too...does he have good coffee in the waiting room? LOL Sue Colin F. 10 mos. StarBand 6/29 Buffalo, NY > Hi - This is Jen (and Miles, 7 mo now) in NJ. I haven't been on for > a few weeks as I've been running around visiting drs and enjoying > the summer before school starts. Just a little update... > > We went to see Dr. Hall, fancy schmancy Hackensack plastic > surgeon/cranio facial ped., who also reccomended the band and wrote > a prescription and a letter of necessity. Told CT to move on the > insurance (Empire BC BS). After about 10 days, CT calls to say we > were denied but maybe if it was a prescription from an in network > dr. it would be covered. Get ped. to write letter/script. > Meanwhile, the starband people come a callin' saying they WOULD be > covered mostly - we pay $650 I think. I tell them hit the bricks, > we're going DOC. Get denied AGAIN for CT. Oops....maybe too > hasty. Now we have an appointment for " Noveau orthotics " to see > what they say. Originally the fancy Dr. said they see good results > with both. > > Ok...now pros and cons...CT pros: good rep, only make bands all day > so they have the practice, seems to look smaller CT cons: Farther > away, not paid for. STARBAND pros: closer, no casting, paid for > STARBAND cons: make all kinds of things so maybe have less practice > with bands, and here's the big one...fancy doc's nice nurse, knowing > we were in a big debate over which to go with, called monday to say > they have seen two Starbands in a row that were not fit correctly. > Maybe new person making them? They used to be consistant and now > this. > > Now I'm in a horrible quandry. My gut says to go with the CT people > but I'm easily swayed by a nicer " package " even if the product does > the same thing. My other gut (sure, I can have two guts, can't I?) > tells me go with STARBAND as it is paid for, closer, and less > invasive to fit. It seems to be that more people are happy with the > DOC band. BUT...if we DO go with the STARBAND, we will be monitored > by Dr. Fancy-pants so we would know if it was wrong right away. \ > > Any suggestions? Advice? A third gut feeling I'm ignoring??? > > Well, I'll tell you what they say tomorrow when I confront them with > their 2 faulty bands! Ah ha! Squirm out of that question, Mr. > Starband-guy!!! > > JEN in Brick, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2004 Report Share Posted August 19, 2004 We were very lucky with , he adjusted so quickly! We needed much more time to adjust! We had very few red marks and they all went away. so far, so good. I wish you the best with the insurance co., they make it so & ^^% hard to help your child. When do you go back to school? Jenn & in NJ > > > > Hi Jen, > > > > I'm in Bedminster, NJ. We went with the DOC band from CT. > Funny > > > that > > > > at the time, I didn't know there were any other companies! The > > > good > > > > news is that 2 1/2 weeks later we've seen marked improvement > for > > > my > > > > 4 month old son and I couldn't be happier with our decision. > We > > > were > > > > prepared to pay the $3,000 out-of-pocket and I've had nothing > > but > > > > trouble with my insurance company who told Wanda at CT > > that " they > > > > didn't cover Orthotics " when they had told me that the band > was > > > > Durable Medical Equipment which was covered. I got all of my > > > > research together to fight it and we just got a check for > $2400! > > I > > > > can't believe it (I " m still spinning) and I'm not sure how it > > > > happened so quickly (less than a month). In any case, there > are > > > many > > > > success stories of appeals so if you do go with CT, don't > think > > to > > > > give up on your insurance co. Also, I would agree to go with > > > > your " gut " . Paramus is an hour away from us and the drive is > > > > absolutely awful but in the long run, I think it's worth it. > > Email > > > > me with questions if you have any! I would personally ask for > > > Sherri > > > > if you have your consulation with CT. > > > > > > > > leigh (leighstulack@h...) > > > > Will 4/11/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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