MEDICAL
THEBENEFITSOFTHESTARSCANNER: • The open-ended scanner creates a scan that is proven safe and take less than two seconds to complete • Three-dimensional images of the baby’s head shape can be obtained • No messy traditional plaster casting is necessary • Technologically advanced scans are recorded for patients, parents and physicians to monitor changes in the patient’s cranium • The state-of-the-art software creates printable scanned cranial records of the patient’s head and measurements provide insurance companies with needed information to make a more objective decision on whether to cover these needed devices • A quicker turn-around time allows earlier treatment and improves initial fit and function of the cranial orthosis
ONCE MY CHILD IS SEEN BY NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY CHILD’S CRANIAL REMOLDING ORTHOSIS? Ideally, your child will be fit with a starband cranial remolding orthosis within eight to 10 days of the scanning date to ensure proper fit and function. Since most insurance companies require approval prior to initiating orthotic treatment, it is important for the family and/or the orthotic facility to obtain this prior approval with an initial scan of the infant. Delays related to insurance coverage can be lengthy and frustrating because success in treatment is time sensitive and can have an impact on treatment results. We at North Texas Regional will work diligently to have your insurance company understand the need for this device in a timely manner.
HOW OFTEN WILL MY INFANT NEED TO SEE THE ORTHOTIST FOR FOLLOW-UP AND/OR ADJUSTMENTS? Frequency of follow-up visits usually depends on the severity of the initial head shape, age of the infant, and individual treatment protocols. Typically, the infant is seen at two-week intervals
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for the first two follow-up appointments. After the caregivers are comfortable with the treatment, we then go to a two-week or longer follow-up schedule for the duration of treatment. Younger infants may require more frequent follow up appointments since their heads are growing so rapidly—another benefit of being close to home.
HOW LONG WILL THE CRANIAL REMOLDING ORTHOSIS TREATMENT PROGRAM LAST? The average treatment program lasts about four months, with younger infants typically completing treatment sooner than older infants. Other factors such as severity of head shape, consistency of wear and individual growth patterns of the infant affect the length of time for treatment. Your orthotist can best estimate the length of time necessary for completing the treatment program after the first evaluation.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER STARBAND CRANIAL REMOLDING ORTHOSES? North Texas Regional is in contract with most major insurances, including Medicaid. This is an added benefit, as other cranial remolding offices are not in-network with insurances, and patients are asked to pay cash for the remolding device. Insurance companies and state plans have different criteria for coverage depending on the type of plan and premiums paid. All of these plans require extensive documentation to process the claims, including the prescription and a letter of medical necessity from the referring physician, proof that repositioning techniques were not successful in correcting the infant’s head shape. Additional information, such as specific measurements and clinical photographs, may also be required. This is where the computer-generated scan is very effective in getting approval for the cranial helmet, as they are verifiable evidence of the need.
WHAT PATIENTS’ PARENTS ARE SAYING? As for Ovilla resident Rachel White, she was very excited to know North
DEFORMATIONAL PLAGIOCEPHALY
is characterized by unusual flattening of an infant’s head and often a prominent or flattened forehead is visible. Texas Regional offered this service, for her daughter Jaclyn, whose physician referred her to get a cranial helmet. “I was not looking forward to the long commute to North Dallas every two weeks for follow-up visits for my daughter,” Rachel said. “Knowing there was a location right here within 15 minutes of my house was a great relief, and when I met the staff at North Texas Regional, I knew they had the utmost concern for my daughter and we felt they truly listened to our concerns and did not rush us through the door. The scan was so fast and easy, and we were so thrilled that our insurance would cover most of the device.” North Texas Regional also offers several specialties, such as prosthetic devices, custom bracing and diabetic footwear as well. Come see why this “state of the art technology” is so exciting to have right here in Ellis County. Ask your physician for a referral today, the consultation is FREE! For more information call 972.923.2285 or visit www. northtexasprosthetics.com. Tammy Wimbish is the business manager at North Texas Regional Orthotics & Prosthetics.