So sorry to hear about the diagnosis {{{HUGS}}}. I know how you are feeling right now. My preemie little boy was diagnosed with mild/moderate plagiocephaly at 4 months (real age). We did PT with him every day for about 6 months at home and practiced repositioning. After that diagnosis he was only ever flat on his back during diaper changes. The repo really worked for him. He is now 11 months old (real age) and it is not noticeable at all. I know the struggles and feelings you are dealing with right now, just know that you are making the decision that is right for your little one and your family and it will all be better soon. The others are correct. Seeing your son in the DOC band is harder on the parents than it is the child.
Cheers,

dara, not sure how it works but I have Federal BCBS and the first place we went to does not participate. The place we are with now does and in the past year BCBS has denied every claim they had filed...but due to my Federal BCBS they have exceptions and I met them so I pay $750 out of pocket. Michael's helmet will be here this Thursday so we are looking forward to this. Interesting as the second place did not specificy any PT needed for any neck muscle issues. IMO he's fine just needs to fix the flat spot.

we are dealing with same thing. right even down to the neck issues

Kdreher- The place in NJ is (my guess) the same place I go to in IL...they do take BCBS 'cuz that's the only kind of insurance we have. :-) I'm glad that you're getting good coverage. Those DOC bands cost mega-moolah!!!!

I am pretty sure that the place in NJ you are referring to dara is the place I went to in CT. They don't particiapte with BCBS but...the new place we went to does and I'm so thrilled to say that they WILL cover it at 70%, so we pay $750 out of pocket.

Trish..I was ready to fight this if denied.

If you want, you can PM me. The other place in NJ with the DOC bands I know is covered by most insurance companies. :-) Otherwise, we wouldn't be getting Adam a second band, and that's the truth! So pricey!

If they deny it initially I would have your Dr. call or write (which ever they need) explaining *exactly* why it's a medical need & not cosmetic. Sometimes they need to be pushed a bit and/or have the write wording & codes to cover things. (((HUGS)))

dara..and that's the kicker. The numbers have risen so much yet insurance sees this as "cosmetic" and not a medical necessity. I'm still waiting to hear if my insurance will cover this with the new company. It's frustrating....

I know that feeling! But, it's also good to know...rather relieving...that many full term infants need to wear the DOC band, too. It's all about them sleeping on their backs when they can't roll over. I know that's the right thing to do to prevent SIDS, but it also causes flat heads in some babies.

quote:Originally posted by darateacher

Adam and Noah both wear the DOC band, and it really works fast!!! In fact, Noah's will be off before Halloween, and they've had theirs since August. Adam's will probably be off by Thanksgiving. gotta tell ya...they're great! The OT's are wonderful where you're going, as we have an office out here five mins from our house. I was worried about how "outsiders" would react to the bands, but no one's said a word. We've even decorated them. Have you seen the DOC band calendar? Totally gives ideas on how to decorate a DOC band. I hope your son doesn't have to wear it long. But, as I've been told, they really don't notice it. It only weighs about 4oz.


Thanks for the feedback. I actually am taking Michael to a different place that does this treatment becuause the original place I mentioned does not participate with my insurance and my plan doen't cover out of network. I cried at first but then found out by calling my insurance there are other companies who treat plagiocephaly. The good thing is this place is 10 min from my house and I guess it's like getting a second opinion. We will have measurements and the digital scan.

I know that it is the best for him and now I'm much better with it all. Hard to just hear the news as you want your preemie to just grow and be fine.