Re: Charlotte, NC Area, where to go?

[Guest guest]

Hi -

It's kind of weird that you posted this, I JUST found out two days

ago that there were StarBand and Hanger options in Charlotte, I had

no idea previously. I live in Raleigh, and we have a StarBand

provider at UNC Hospital, so I only concerned myself with CT in

Charlotte. We go to CT mainly because of their experience with older

children (my son was banded at 17months). I have BCBS of NC Federal

Employee Program, which is a little different than standard BCBS of

NC. UNC was in-network and would have covered 90% and CT is out-of-

network and was covered 75%, but we had to pay up front and I had to

file my only claim for reimbursement. BCBS came through without a

problem, paying exactly what we expected. The insurance " specialist "

at CT said that BSBS of NC typically covers very little, like $600

before the deductible. So I feel lucky that I had the FEP that paid

more. CT has been great for us (we see ).

The most important thing is the experience of the orthotist that you

will be working with. The bands all work the same, but there are a

number of factors to take into consideration. For instance, how long

have they said she will need to wear it? How old is your daughter?

CT's DOCBands only last about 4 months on slow growing babies, a lot

less time on fast growing babies. A measurement of 18mm is

considered severe, I believe (my son started at 15 and is borderline

moderate-severe), and MAY require two bands at CT. If they didn't

say for sure, I would ask that question specifically so there are no

surprises later (it's another 3000 for the second). Star and Hanger

bands last up to 6 months, so there is more lee-way there. I believe

it's very rare that a second Star or Hanger band is needed. At the

same time I learned of the other two options in Charlotte, I also

heard the amazing differences in cost, and was very surprised. I'm

not sure if it's a competition thing since there are 3 to choose

from, or what. Have Star and Hanger confirmed that EVERYTHING is

included in that cost? It should be. I know at both places I looked

into, the scan/casting, band, all adjustments, and exit scan/casting

was included in that price. Also, when Hanger said the measurement

was 10, is that mm? Or 10/16 of an inch? That's two different

things, and not everyone measures in the same increments. If it's in

mm, I might be concerned with the 8mm discrepency. 1 or 2mm is one

thing, but 8 is a lot.

The bottom line is, you have to be comfortable with the person you

will be working with and their level of experience. I don't think I

would worry so much on the TYPE of band, as much as the experience

of the person, and then the cost.

Good luck with your decision!

Jake-19m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand 10 weeks)

Jordan-4

>

> I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

my daughter's head &

> told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

across top of head) and then

> I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

the number was 18.

> Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are so

confused by the

> differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in Charlotte

tomorrow (quoting

> $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

measurement. Does anyone

> have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

BCBS of NC insurance. I

> WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have

shopped around, have used

> or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

have the same insurance

> that I have. Thanks in advance!

> -

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much, your response is very helpful. SO you choose CT

b/c of the experience with older babies, right? Mine is still

youngish, 5 months now. I am hoping to have her in a band by 6

months at one place or another! I alomost wish there weren't

options, now I am afraid I'll make the wrong choice. We are headed

to LEvel Four tomorrow am and they will hopefully tell me that the

measurement is 18 or 10 so I can clearly see that one place was

wrong! If they tell me 14mm, I'll probably cry. Anyway, I am doing

the leg work here in Charlotte if anyone needs to hear about this

experience i've got it (or I will have it!) Thanks again.

-mary

> >

> > I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

> my daughter's head &

> > told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

> across top of head) and then

> > I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

> the number was 18.

> > Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are

so

> confused by the

> > differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in

Charlotte

> tomorrow (quoting

> > $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

> measurement. Does anyone

> > have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

> BCBS of NC insurance. I

> > WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have

> shopped around, have used

> > or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

> have the same insurance

> > that I have. Thanks in advance!

> > -

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I know, it is hard making the decision to band at all, let alone

having to pick from at least 3 different banding options. I did

choose CT based on how many older babies they had treated (something

like 60 a year compared to 5 at UNC). Had my son been younger, I

would have been comfortable going with the StarBand at UNC. Good

luck at Hanger tomorrow! I hope you get a consistent measurement!

Jake-19m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand 10 weeks)

Jordan-4

> > >

> > > I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They

measured

> > my daughter's head &

> > > told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

> > across top of head) and then

> > > I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told

me

> > the number was 18.

> > > Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we

are

> so

> > confused by the

> > > differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in

> Charlotte

> > tomorrow (quoting

> > > $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

> > measurement. Does anyone

> > > have opinions about the different places in this area? We

have

> > BCBS of NC insurance. I

> > > WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have

> > shopped around, have used

> > > or decided against any of these places for any reason or if

you

> > have the same insurance

> > > that I have. Thanks in advance!

> > > -

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all of your input, we had our visit to " Level Four " today

in Charlotte, NC where I was very pleased with the " starscanner " that

gives a much more exact number than I felt like we got with the

manual measurements. Lo & behold the number for the same measurement

done at Hanger & at CT is different still! But she was able to show

me on their computer image of my child's head how any of the numbers

could have been correct & acceptable, it is just a amatter of which

degree it is taken from. For instance, at a 35 deg angle, she was 13

mm asym, and at a 45 deg angle, it was 17mm. That made it a little

more clear to me how the other places could vary so much, but neither

be " wrong " .

I thought that all 3 places are worthwhile, I wouldn't have had such

a hard decision otherwise. But I am so relieved to have found a

place where I feel that we fit. The cost is not as high as CT, but

not as low as Hanger. My cruddy insurance will only pay $240 since

we have not yet made our deductible, so they were willing to lower

the price for us so it doesn't sting quite so much and we can make 3

payments. Cranial orthotics are not all that they do all day long

at Level Four, but they do specialize in children and the person we

will be working with DOES the helmets all day every day.

Their helmets are bulkier that CT's, but I think they're all ugly &

cumbersome (no offense, I just hate the idea all around) so what does

it matter how unattractive it is, my baby is still beautiful

underneath it! The helmets are custom fit. The person I am working

with is certified & Level Four is accredited.

Guys, I have done my research & I don't think any of you have made a

wrong decision. But if you are trying to make decisions in the

Charlotte area, I have asked every question I think that can be asked

of all of these places, feel free to contact me. I feel that we've

made the best choice for us, my daughter is only 5 months, had she

been a lot older, I may prefer CT, they seem to have more experience

with older babies. If we were in a position where we needed to do

this, but couldn't afford CT, I would have also felt comfortable at

Hanger, the therapist there seemed very competent as well.

I just placed our order for the helmet (A Starband), Rose will be

decked out in a plain white one with a pink strap come May 8th. I'm

so sad tht we're having to do this, I just hate it. I'm actually

feeling myself tear up as I think of my baby in this helmet and I

can't snuggle her as close or kiss all over her head anytime I want

to. I will be looking forward to bathtime & I hope she thanks me one

day!

- , Concord, NC

>

> I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

my daughter's head &

> told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

across top of head) and then

> I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

the number was 18.

> Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are so

confused by the

> differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in Charlotte

tomorrow (quoting

> $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

measurement. Does anyone

> have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

BCBS of NC insurance. I

> WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have shopped

around, have used

> or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

have the same insurance

> that I have. Thanks in advance!

> -

>

[Guest guest]

I'm glad that you were able to find a band you feel comfortable

with. It really pays to do your research and visit each place. I

must say, that I think the Charlotte area is very lucky a) to have

three different options for band providers, and that some of them

offer a break for those that aren't covered by insurance. I have not

heard of that happening anywhere (though I've only been involved

with this board since January). Usually if insurance won't cover it,

people are out of luck and have to pay the full amount (which is

typically closer to $3000 whether it's DOC, Star or Hanger). So it's

great that you are able to take advantage of that, and posted your

experience in order to help others in the future.

Thanks for the information! Good luck with the band and definitely

keep us posted on the progress!

Jake-19m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand 10 weeks)

Jordan-4

> >

> > I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They

measured

> my daughter's head &

> > told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

> across top of head) and then

> > I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told

me

> the number was 18.

> > Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are

so

> confused by the

> > differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in

Charlotte

> tomorrow (quoting

> > $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

> measurement. Does anyone

> > have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

> BCBS of NC insurance. I

> > WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have

shopped

> around, have used

> > or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

> have the same insurance

> > that I have. Thanks in advance!

> > -

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm glad that you found a place you are comfortable with. My daughter

also wore a starband. She had one of the patterns, but I also put

stickers on it sometimes when I got bored of it. I cried when she got

her head scanned for the band, but that was the worst of it. After

that I just worked on accepting it, and in the end it really wasn't

that big a deal. my Brother in law & his wife thought we were nuts to

do this to our kid, but honestly I don't approve of all their choices

either, so it didn't bother me. Also within 2 weeks there was a big

change in her head, so I knew we made the right decision.

Plus with the name Rose you can make her band so personalized with her

name and lots of roses. I hope it goes smoothly and quickly. One word

of advice is to pretend you love the band, since it will make it

easier for Rose to adjust to it. sometimes kids pick up on our

negative feelings.

-christine

sydney 2 yrs starband grad

> >

> > I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

> my daughter's head &

> > told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

> across top of head) and then

> > I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

> the number was 18.

> > Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are so

> confused by the

> > differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in Charlotte

> tomorrow (quoting

> > $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

> measurement. Does anyone

> > have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

> BCBS of NC insurance. I

> > WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have shopped

> around, have used

> > or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

> have the same insurance

> > that I have. Thanks in advance!

> > -

> >

>

[Guest guest]

We also go to CT in Charlotte. Our pediatrician recommended them and

we have had wonderful results in just 3 weeks. We see Kathy at CT

and she is awesome.

Good luck in your decision.

Jenn

>

> I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

my daughter's head &

> told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

across top of head) and then

> I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

the number was 18.

> Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are so

confused by the

> differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in Charlotte

tomorrow (quoting

> $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

measurement. Does anyone

> have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

BCBS of NC insurance. I

> WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have shopped

around, have used

> or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

have the same insurance

> that I have. Thanks in advance!

> -

>

[Guest guest]

We are also in Charlotte and just beginning the process with our

daughter. I have appointments with both Cranial Tech and Hanger next

week. We are in the same insurance situation...BCBS with the same

coverages. How have things gone for you at CT, Hanger and Level

Four? Thanks!

Kim Murray

Charlotte, NC

>

> I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

my daughter's head &

> told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

across top of head) and then

> I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told me

the number was 18.

> Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are so

confused by the

> differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in Charlotte

tomorrow (quoting

> $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

measurement. Does anyone

> have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

BCBS of NC insurance. I

> WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have shopped

around, have used

> or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

have the same insurance

> that I have. Thanks in advance!

> -

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks! We are also on the NC/SC border (actually in SC)-

BridgeHampton neighborhood. Would love to pick your brain some more

on your experiences. Interestingly, BCBS told us NOT to go through

CT though I can't see why it matters to them. I'm going to add Level

Four to my search and hopefully make a decision next week and get

this babe banded by the end of may. Poor thing...banded through the

hot carolina summer!

> >

> > I've been to Hanger in sville & saw . They measured

> my daughter's head &

> > told me the number was 10 (for the difference in the diagonal

> across top of head) and then

> > I went to Cranial Tech in Charlotte and saw Kathy and she told

me

> the number was 18.

> > Hanger should cost us $900 and CT should cost us $3000. we are

so

> confused by the

> > differences! We have a 3rd appointment at Level Four in

Charlotte

> tomorrow (quoting

> > $760) where they do the starband, I think, and will get a new

> measurement. Does anyone

> > have opinions about the different places in this area? We have

> BCBS of NC insurance. I

> > WELCOME information about your experiences, esp if you have

shopped

> around, have used

> > or decided against any of these places for any reason or if you

> have the same insurance

> > that I have. Thanks in advance!

> > -

> >

>