Re: How much experience is enough?

[Guest guest]

You have to go with your gut if you don't know anyone that has used

O & P. Are there any other past member's e-mail addresses in the

database on this site that have used O & P? Also, did you visit them?

Were there any before & after photos on the wall? I visited one

place and just did not have a good feeling. I think your instincts

tell you alot. Good luck

Sue

Colin F. 11 mos.

StarBand 6/29 (8 wks)

Buffalo, NY

--- In Plagiocephaly , " camilledc77 " <camille_dc@h...>

wrote:

> How do I know if the ortho has enough experience? The one my

> insurance company says is in-network (O & P in Dallas) has only

> done 120 bands so far. I think she said she's been doing it for a

> year or two. Cranial Tech did 100 pt last month. Of course I know

> CT is experienced enough...how do I know if I can trust O & P?

>

> Camille

[Guest guest]

--- Hello,

I agree with Sue. Go with your gut. I do think the Ortho's

experience with 120 bands in the last year or two is good. I'd ask

what her success rate has been. How many corrected? How many didn't

get the results they wanted? Did any regress? I'd be leary of any

Ortho's who only do a few each year. 120 sounds good! Good Luck!

Dianna (Mom to waiting to be casted 8/30/04)

Plagiocephaly , " camilledc77 " <camille_dc@h...> wrote:

> How do I know if the ortho has enough experience? The one my

> insurance company says is in-network (O & P in Dallas) has only

> done 120 bands so far. I think she said she's been doing it for a

> year or two. Cranial Tech did 100 pt last month. Of course I know

> CT is experienced enough...how do I know if I can trust O & P?

>

> Camille

[Guest guest]

Camille, you have to ask for patient referrals. HIPPA does not

restrict this, the patient (parents probably)gives written

permission. Ask how many of those 120 babies have actually

completed treatment, how long is the average treatment, has she

taken a course in treating plagio above and beyond what is required

for the completion of a college course.

Make sure that the questions are regarding plagio only. They have

been known to throw in stats for prostethics in there and that is

not what you are wanting to know. They are totally different.

Good Luck! Oh, is this in Dallas or Ft. Worth?

Dustie

> How do I know if the ortho has enough experience? The one my

> insurance company says is in-network (O & P in Dallas) has only

> done 120 bands so far. I think she said she's been doing it for a

> year or two. Cranial Tech did 100 pt last month. Of course I know

> CT is experienced enough...how do I know if I can trust O & P?

>

> Camille

[Guest guest]

Hello Camille

120 bands sounds like she has done quite a few, but I totally agree

with what Dustie told you. Talk to parents. That is the best thing

to do. See about the stats / how they mesure success / lenght of

treatment. Good luck. Let us know how it goes

Sandy Willow' s mom

--- In Plagiocephaly , " camilledc77 " <camille_dc@h...>

wrote:

> How do I know if the ortho has enough experience? The one my

> insurance company says is in-network (O & P in Dallas) has only

> done 120 bands so far. I think she said she's been doing it for a

> year or two. Cranial Tech did 100 pt last month. Of course I know

> CT is experienced enough...how do I know if I can trust O & P?

>

> Camille

[Guest guest]

Camille,

This is such an important question, but a complex one to answer.

It's going to take some work on your part to find your comfort level

to help you make a decision. I very much agree with previous

replies you received on this issue that it is helpful to speak with

other parents who did take their babies to that facility, to find

out how results are measured and what constitutes treatment success,

and in what specific capacity is an ortho's " experience. " I didn't

see O & P Designs listed in the Helmet/Band Database, so I don't know

if we've had any group members go there yet. Are these the

locations you know of?

O & P Designs

618 Clara Barton Blvd.

Suite 7

Garland, TX 75042

Tel (972) 487-1951

O & P Designs

9713 Harry Hines Blvd

(214)358-8478

Other questions I would ask a prospective ortho would be how much

experience did they have in treating my baby's particular headshape

(brachy, plagio, scapho)?

Orthomerica's business model may provide you with question

opportunities specific to O & P Designs. How much experience do they

have with the particular Orthomerica product they would be using

(Orthomerica has several different band/helmet designs available for

order)? How much experience with Orthomerica products does the

ortho have (it may have been only recently that the ortho started

ordering Starband products)? Has the ortho availed him/herself of

the training that Orthomerica offers to orthos who order their

products?

This decision is really a subjective one, specific to your comfort

level and needs. I think someone already gave you these links, but

here are links to questions for the ortho that may give you some

ideas of concerns you'd like addressed before you make your decision:

Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:

The quality of treatment available varies widely for children with

plagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them.

Print this page and use it for your research.

http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.html

Orthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective Orthotist

Feel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them

during your initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing

and maintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and

your child's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.

http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htm

Questions To Ask The Doctor and 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

Good luck, and let us know what you decide. If you do decide to go

with O & P Designs, keep us posted on your experience since we haven't

heard any feedback on that facility at the group yet!

Take care,

Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy)

> How do I know if the ortho has enough experience? The one my

> insurance company says is in-network (O & P in Dallas) has only

> done 120 bands so far. I think she said she's been doing it for a

> year or two. Cranial Tech did 100 pt last month. Of course I know

> CT is experienced enough...how do I know if I can trust O & P?

>

> Camille