Re: Second opinions and gut instincts

[Guest guest]

I would go with the 2 months versus 6-8. The whole process is really not that fun...Rita <ptrita@...> wrote: We took our son into Hanger for our "second opinion" today. I'm the one who called the first opinion a "sales pitch" from Cranial Tech. The orthotist was nice and knowledgable and experienced. The pros of going with Hanger are that they are contracted with our insurance (if UHC will pay), they are 45 minutes closer each way, and they scan with a laser vs a mold. I think it's a little cheaper

too, but when we are talking 3 grand, a couple of hundred is not the big factor in a child's health. The cons: Cranial tech is supposed to be the best, they have therapists there vs the orthotist and the therapists can better monitor the repositioning part of this, CT sees them once a week vs Hanger where it's every 2-3 weeks...this could result in the child being in the helmet longer?, and CT said the child would only be in the band for 2 months, where the Hanger ortho laughed and said it would be more like 6-8 months. My pediatrician, the one who said "he'll grow out of it", is now accepting the fact that my son won't grow out of this. Now he wants us to go to CT. By the way, the measures were nearly the same: 14mm at Hanger and 15mm at CT.SO My questions to the board are:1) What would you do? Please give me your opinions.2) How long are they usually in the helmets?3) Has anyone had any bad experiences with

Hanger, and, if so, were they due to the orthotist or the band itself?4) how often do you normally go in for band checks? Does anyone think it is better or worse to go in more frequently?My next door neighbor's little girl had craniostynosis that was bad enough to require surgery. Her growth was stunted, but everything else turned out okay. They said that a helmet would not fix her! It must be this Arizona water... Rita

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with for Mobile. Get started.

[Guest guest]

I am so gald you went for the 2nd opinion! Don't you feel better about your desicion?

As far as who to go with - it's really up to you - do your research. Talk to the orthos and find out about thier experience. That is REALLY key to success. CT orthos only do bands so they may have more - but maybe not. Also, talk to CT about the possibility of a 2nd band. My dd had a Hanger for 3months and then another hanger for 2 more months. I may be wrong but I think babies grow out of Doc bands sooner. Talk to the ortho about it. Also, length of treatment is sooooo individual. If you catch a good growth spurt then the time will be less or at least you will see correction sooner. As far as the appt. We saw the ortho about every 2 weeks - but we went in any and everytime we needed to. Our ortho was really assesible to us and helpful.

I don't know about your ins. so I can't help there.

I cannot stress enough that the experience of the ortho REALLY matters. Communication is so key. Ask any and every question so you get answers and they know you care!

HTH! Let us know what you decide!

Jen and LuliLeft Tort - Right Plagio - Hanger Band Grad - CATallulah Jayne -AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi again, It sounds like a tough decision. I forget how old your child is. At CT, younger than 7 months is seen every week. Older than 7 months is seen every other week. If UHC would pay then Hanger may be the way to go; however, from the sounds of UHC they rarely pay without going through the appeal process (contract or not...I may be wrong on that though). However, I like the idea of going with the best especially when talking about the head. I didn't do research when I chose CT...this was who my ped. recommended. My son is moderate and has had the band 3 weeks. He will be in a total of 2 1/2-3 1/2 months. The length that a child is in the helmet depends on age/severity when they start. Number of bands also is based on severity and growth spurts, etc. Me personally can't wait to be able to kiss his whole little head. I can't wait to be done. My son is doing

just fine but the thought of 6-8 months opposed to 2 months...I would definitely go for the 2 months. I think there are definite pros to more frequent checks. I'll give you an example. My son is 8 months old. He went for his check today and he must have had a growth spurt since the last time. The PT at CT said that this time she'd give him a lot more room. Say he would have waited till next week, his head may have started growing up because he wouldn't have had room in his band. Why is your ped. recommending CT over Hanger? I have nothing negative to say about my experience (and don't plan to). My son has adjusted very nicely. Good luck. 8 month old son, DOC band AZ PS: The mold is really not that bad even if your child hates it (which mine did). I knew he was fine and once it

was done he was back to his smiley self.In my opinion, I wouldn't necessarily factor that in to your decision. I would go with experience of the ortho/tech, how comfortable you feel with what they tell you, maybe length of time, best results given, etc. Rita <ptrita@...> wrote: We took our son into Hanger for our "second opinion" today. I'm the one who called the first opinion a "sales pitch" from Cranial Tech. The orthotist was nice and knowledgable and experienced. The pros of going

with Hanger are that they are contracted with our insurance (if UHC will pay), they are 45 minutes closer each way, and they scan with a laser vs a mold. I think it's a little cheaper too, but when we are talking 3 grand, a couple of hundred is not the big factor in a child's health. The cons: Cranial tech is supposed to be the best, they have therapists there vs the orthotist and the therapists can better monitor the repositioning part of this, CT sees them once a week vs Hanger where it's every 2-3 weeks...this could result in the child being in the helmet longer?, and CT said the child would only be in the band for 2 months, where the Hanger ortho laughed and said it would be more like 6-8 months. My pediatrician, the one who said "he'll grow out of it", is now accepting the fact that my son won't grow out of this. Now he wants us to go to CT. By the way, the measures were nearly the same: 14mm at Hanger and 15mm

at CT.SO My questions to the board are:1) What would you do? Please give me your opinions.2) How long are they usually in the helmets?3) Has anyone had any bad experiences with Hanger, and, if so, were they due to the orthotist or the band itself?4) how often do you normally go in for band checks? Does anyone think it is better or worse to go in more frequently?My next door neighbor's little girl had craniostynosis that was bad enough to require surgery. Her growth was stunted, but everything else turned out okay. They said that a helmet would not fix her! It must be this Arizona water... Rita

Bored stiff? Loosen up...Download and play hundreds of games for free on Games.

[Guest guest]

i would go with CT, simply because they are supposed to be the best and have a great reputation. my daughter has a hanger band and i am not too pleased with the results thus far. however, many have seen great results from hanger bands and if your insurance covers a hanger band that is another pro, like you stated. however, if i had known about CT, i would have taken my daughter there. it is their specialty, it just makes sense to go there. , NYRita <ptrita@...> wrote: We took our son into Hanger for our "second opinion" today. I'm the one who called the first opinion a "sales pitch" from Cranial Tech. The orthotist was nice and knowledgable and experienced. The pros of going with Hanger are that they are contracted with our insurance (if UHC will pay), they are 45 minutes closer each way, and they scan with a laser vs a mold. I think it's a little cheaper too, but when we are talking 3 grand, a couple of hundred is not the big factor in a child's health. The cons: Cranial tech is supposed to be the best, they have therapists there vs the orthotist and the therapists can better monitor the repositioning part of this, CT sees them once a week vs Hanger where it's every 2-3 weeks...this could result in the child being in the helmet longer?, and CT said the child would only be in the band for 2 months, where the Hanger ortho laughed and said it would be more like

6-8 months. My pediatrician, the one who said "he'll grow out of it", is now accepting the fact that my son won't grow out of this. Now he wants us to go to CT. By the way, the measures were nearly the same: 14mm at Hanger and 15mm at CT.SO My questions to the board are:1) What would you do? Please give me your opinions.2) How long are they usually in the helmets?3) Has anyone had any bad experiences with Hanger, and, if so, were they due to the orthotist or the band itself?4) how often do you normally go in for band checks? Does anyone think it is better or worse to go in more frequently?My next door neighbor's little girl had craniostynosis that was bad enough to require surgery. Her growth was stunted, but everything else turned out okay. They said that a helmet would not fix her! It must be this Arizona water... Rita

Don't be flakey. Get for Mobile and always stay connected to friends.

[Guest guest]

If you ask me 2 mo seems to little, and 6-8 too much, but I think that

Hanger vs DOCband won't change the time in the band dramatically,

although DOC could be a little less (just guess). I think it is more

of a function of growth. Both are predictions, and reality may be

somewhere in between. Overall CT has a better reputation, cost and

travel are also important considerations. For us the starband location

was 20 mins from home and that made it very easy to go in for

adjustments or fit it into our schedule.

I think either way you'll see good results.

-christine

mom to sydney/ 14 mo/ starband grad

We took our son into Hanger for

our " second opinion " today. I'm the

> one who called the first opinion a " sales pitch " from Cranial Tech.

> The orthotist was nice and knowledgable and experienced. The pros of

> going with Hanger are that they are contracted with our insurance (if

> UHC will pay), they are 45 minutes closer each way, and they scan

> with a laser vs a mold. I think it's a little cheaper too, but when

> we are talking 3 grand, a couple of hundred is not the big factor in

> a child's health. The cons: Cranial tech is supposed to be the best,

> they have therapists there vs the orthotist and the therapists can

> better monitor the repositioning part of this, CT sees them once a

> week vs Hanger where it's every 2-3 weeks...this could result in the

> child being in the helmet longer?, and CT said the child would only

> be in the band for 2 months, where the Hanger ortho laughed and said

> it would be more like 6-8 months. My pediatrician, the one who

> said " he'll grow out of it " , is now accepting the fact that my son

> won't grow out of this. Now he wants us to go to CT.

> By the way, the measures were nearly the same: 14mm at Hanger and

> 15mm at CT.

> SO My questions to the board are:

> 1) What would you do? Please give me your opinions.

> 2) How long are they usually in the helmets?

> 3) Has anyone had any bad experiences with Hanger, and, if so, were

> they due to the orthotist or the band itself?

> 4) how often do you normally go in for band checks? Does anyone

> think it is better or worse to go in more frequently?

>

> My next door neighbor's little girl had craniostynosis that was bad

> enough to require surgery. Her growth was stunted, but everything

> else turned out okay. They said that a helmet would not fix her! It

> must be this Arizona water... Rita

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

> with for Mobile. Get started.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, just wanted to clarify something. If the baby is seen more often

it is generally because they leave less room in the band. In any band,

if a baby has a big growth spurt they will generally get red spots and

then you know you need to go in for an adjustment early. the head

isn't forced to grow " up " while you wait another week for your

appointment. we had a starband. a few times we had to go in before our

scheduled appointment and they always fit us in. My daughter got a

little red on the forehead like a mild sunburn and I could see the

band was a little tight - then I knew she needed her band adjusted.

-christine

mom to sydney/ 14 mo/ starband grad 10-06

.......

> there are definite pros to more frequent checks. I'll give you an

example. My son is 8 months old. He went for his check today and he

must have had a growth spurt since the last time. The PT at CT said

that this time she'd give him a lot more room. Say he would have

waited till next week, his head may have started growing up because he

wouldn't have had room in his band. Why is your ped. recommending CT

over Hanger? I have nothing negative to say about my experience

(and don't plan to). My son has adjusted very nicely.

>

> Good luck.

>

>

> 8 month old son, DOC band

> AZ

>

> PS: The mold is really not that bad even if your child hates it

(which mine did). I knew he was fine and once it was done he was back

to his smiley self.In my opinion, I wouldn't necessarily factor that

in to your decision. I would go with experience of the ortho/tech, how

comfortable you feel with what they tell you, maybe length of time,

best results given, etc.

[Guest guest]

, Thanks for clarifying. My son's red marks were fading and it still appeared that he had a little room left to grow. Question regarding your post, are you referring to red spots that don't fade or red spots period? Because if it is red spots period (where the pressure points are) then it was never right from that particular appt. I guess my perception of what could of happened isn't necessarily the case. That makes sense about leaving less room or more room depending on length between appointments. Thanks again for clarifying. christineashok <christineashok@...> wrote: Hi, just wanted to clarify something. If the baby is seen more oftenit is generally because they leave less room in the band. In any band,if a baby has a big growth spurt they will generally get red spots andthen you know you need to go in for an adjustment early. the headisn't forced to grow "up" while you wait another week for yourappointment. we had a starband. a few times we had to go in before ourscheduled appointment and they always fit us in. My daughter got alittle red on the forehead like a mild sunburn and I could see theband was a little tight - then I knew she needed her band adjusted. -christinemom to sydney/ 14 mo/ starband grad 10-06......> there are definite pros to more frequent checks. I'll give you anexample. My son is 8 months old. He went for his check today and hemust have had a growth spurt since the last time. The PT at CT saidthat this time she'd give him a lot more room. Say he would havewaited till next week, his head may have started growing up because hewouldn't have had room in his band. Why is your ped. recommending CTover Hanger? I have nothing negative to say about my experience(and don't plan to). My son has adjusted very nicely. > > Good luck.> > > 8 month old son, DOC band> AZ> > PS: The mold is really not that bad even if your child hates it(which mine did). I knew he was fine and once it was done he was backto his smiley self.In my opinion, I

wouldn't necessarily factor thatin to your decision. I would go with experience of the ortho/tech, howcomfortable you feel with what they tell you, maybe length of time,best results given, etc.

Bored stiff? Loosen up...Download and play hundreds of games for free on Games.

[Guest guest]

Hi , I meant red spots that didn't fade withing an hour. once

she got used to the band she generally was red in certain areas when

we took it off, but they would fade quickly. with her head shape the

ortho told us that we should watch for the foam getting dirtier on

the forehead area, because that is where we were likely to see she

needed an adjustment. also her forehead would get a little red. not

a big spot, but more spread out like a slight sunburn in that area.

once you get a good fit it is easier to figure out what is " normal "

for your baby. if things don't seem right - new red spots, band

doesn't sit well, doesn't close the way it normally does, all can

indicate that it is getting too tight and needs to be adjusted.

-christine

> ......

> > there are definite pros to more frequent checks. I'll give you an

> example. My son is 8 months old. He went for his check today and he

> must have had a growth spurt since the last time. The PT at CT said

> that this time she'd give him a lot more room. Say he would have

> waited till next week, his head may have started growing up

because he

> wouldn't have had room in his band. Why is your ped. recommending

CT

> over Hanger? I have nothing negative to say about my experience

> (and don't plan to). My son has adjusted very nicely.

> >

> > Good luck.

> >

> >

> > 8 month old son, DOC band

> > AZ

> >

> > PS: The mold is really not that bad even if your child hates it

> (which mine did). I knew he was fine and once it was done he was

back

> to his smiley self.In my opinion, I wouldn't necessarily factor

that

> in to your decision. I would go with experience of the ortho/tech,

how

> comfortable you feel with what they tell you, maybe length of time,

> best results given, etc.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Bored stiff? Loosen up...

> Download and play hundreds of games for free on Games.

>

[Guest guest]

Just to update: United Healthcare said we have an exclusion on our

insurance and won't cover cranial banding.

I am not sure where to go from here. Do we pay up front, then either

Hanger or CT sends UHC the bills, UHC denies them and then I appeal?

Or do I appeal now?

I appreciate all of this great advice. After reading all of this,

praying and weighing the pros and cons, I am leaning towards Cranial

Technologies.

Sorry that I didn't clarify my son's age. He is a little over 5 months

old. He's a large child. He's nearly 20 pounds and 28.5 inches long

with a 45cm head. Both CT and Hanger measured him at 14-15mm of

plagio.

Rita, AZ

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I think either there wasn't that much room to begin with (although there was still room) or he had a growth spurt. I'll have to ask my son's PT at Cranial Technologies for the specific things I should look for with the DOC band. christineashok <christineashok@...> wrote: Hi , I meant red spots that didn't fade withing an hour. once she got used to the band she generally was red in certain areas when we took it off, but they would fade

quickly. with her head shape the ortho told us that we should watch for the foam getting dirtier on the forehead area, because that is where we were likely to see she needed an adjustment. also her forehead would get a little red. not a big spot, but more spread out like a slight sunburn in that area. once you get a good fit it is easier to figure out what is "normal" for your baby. if things don't seem right - new red spots, band doesn't sit well, doesn't close the way it normally does, all can indicate that it is getting too tight and needs to be adjusted.-christine> ......> > there are definite pros to more frequent checks. I'll give you an> example. My son is 8 months old. He went for his check today and he> must have had a growth spurt since the last time. The PT at CT said> that this time she'd give him a lot more room. Say he would have> waited till next week, his head may have started growing up because he> wouldn't have had room in his band. Why is your ped. recommending CT> over Hanger? I have nothing negative to say about my

experience> (and don't plan to). My son has adjusted very nicely. > > > > Good luck.> > > > > > 8 month old son, DOC band> > AZ> > > > PS: The mold is really not that bad even if your child hates it> (which mine did). I knew he was fine and once it was done he was back> to his smiley self.In my opinion, I wouldn't necessarily factor that> in to your decision. I would go with experience of the ortho/tech, how> comfortable you feel with what they tell you, maybe length of time,> best results given, etc.> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Bored stiff? Loosen up...> Download and play hundreds of games for free on Games.>

Check out the all-new beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

hi there,

i have UHC as well. although i do not have exclusion in our policy. i

would pay upfront and try to appeal afterwards. the sooner you get

band, the better. my son is in 2nd docband, and it has been very

successful, but he didnt start until 9.5 months. if you haggle with

insurance it could put you back a few months. our first band was

approved but second denied. we just paid and then appealed later, and

won. time is very important. go for the band asap. good luck.

kelly

>

> Just to update: United Healthcare said we have an exclusion on our

> insurance and won't cover cranial banding.

> I am not sure where to go from here. Do we pay up front, then either

> Hanger or CT sends UHC the bills, UHC denies them and then I appeal?

> Or do I appeal now?

> I appreciate all of this great advice. After reading all of this,

> praying and weighing the pros and cons, I am leaning towards Cranial

> Technologies.

> Sorry that I didn't clarify my son's age. He is a little over 5

months

> old. He's a large child. He's nearly 20 pounds and 28.5 inches long

> with a 45cm head. Both CT and Hanger measured him at 14-15mm of

> plagio.

>

> Rita, AZ

>

[Guest guest]

It sounds like if you have the exclusion no matter how many appeals they wouldn't pay. Hopefully, that is not the case. Phyllis Rose or kathy at Cranial Technologies headquarter office would be able to help with insurance advice. We have UHC too but ours doesn't have the exclusion yet we were denied for cosmetic reasons. We are in the appeals process right now...not a fun place to be! We paid upfront but I didn't want to wait since my son was already 7 months when we decided to move forward with banding. Cranial Technologies is great. I hope if you do go with them that you have a wonderful experience. Rita <ptrita@...> wrote: Just to update: United Healthcare said we have an exclusion on our insurance and won't cover cranial banding.I am not sure where to go from here. Do we pay up front, then either Hanger or CT sends UHC the bills, UHC denies them and then I appeal? Or do I appeal now? I appreciate all of this great advice. After reading all of this, praying and weighing the pros and cons, I am leaning towards Cranial Technologies. Sorry that I didn't clarify my son's age. He is a little over 5 months old. He's a large child. He's nearly 20 pounds and 28.5 inches long with a 45cm head. Both CT and Hanger measured him at 14-15mm of plagio.Rita, AZ

Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know.

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to say that we have UHC and they are willing to pay $1,500 per

year for medical devices and the helmet is included. I think it depends on

what plan you are on. Ours is a PPO and I am not sure if this is a special

add on that my husbands employer opted for. I hope this helps.

>From: <lka_236@...>

>Reply-Plagiocephaly

>Plagiocephaly

>Subject: Re: Second opinions and gut instincts

>Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 09:28:52 -0800 (PST)

>

>It sounds like if you have the exclusion no matter how many appeals they

>wouldn't pay. Hopefully, that is not the case. Phyllis Rose or kathy at

>Cranial Technologies headquarter office would be able to help with

>insurance advice. We have UHC too but ours doesn't have the exclusion yet

>we were denied for cosmetic reasons. We are in the appeals process right

>now...not a fun place to be! We paid upfront but I didn't want to wait

>since my son was already 7 months when we decided to move forward with

>banding. Cranial Technologies is great. I hope if you do go with them

>that you have a wonderful experience.

>

>

>

>Rita <ptrita@...> wrote:

> Just to update: United Healthcare said we have an exclusion on

>our

>insurance and won't cover cranial banding.

>I am not sure where to go from here. Do we pay up front, then either

>Hanger or CT sends UHC the bills, UHC denies them and then I appeal?

>Or do I appeal now?

>I appreciate all of this great advice. After reading all of this,

>praying and weighing the pros and cons, I am leaning towards Cranial

>Technologies.

>Sorry that I didn't clarify my son's age. He is a little over 5 months

>old. He's a large child. He's nearly 20 pounds and 28.5 inches long

>with a 45cm head. Both CT and Hanger measured him at 14-15mm of

>plagio.

>

>Rita, AZ

>

>

>

>

>

>

>---------------------------------

>Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real

>people who know.

_________________________________________________________________

The average US Credit Score is 675. The cost to see yours: $0 by Experian.

http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=660600 & bcd=EMAILFOOTERAVERAGE