I'm concerned about ortho's expertise

June 4, 2009

Hello,

I live in California and got a Hanger helmet for my son 3 weeks ago, when he

turned 4 months. Unfortunately, things have not been going well, so my baby is

still not wearing his helmet full-time (23 hours each day). Here's a summary of

what's happened so far --

Week 1: We got the helmet on a Friday. My ortho flew out to the East Coast for

a week-long conference the following Monday, so I was only able to consult with

him on the phone that week. My baby got red spots on his head from wearing the

helmet, so the longest he wore it that week was 4 hours.

Week 2: My ortho came back from the East Coast. I had to bring my baby and

helmet in 3 times (yes, every other day) to the office for adjustments due to

red spots on his head. At the third appointment of that week, my ortho took a

head scan to make a new helmet.

Week 3: There was a lingering red spot from wearing the helmet for 8 hours

overnight. My ortho told me not to put the helmet on again until the red spot

goes away. The redness is finally fading, after 6 days! We're going to put the

helmet on again today, according to my ortho's instructions. Also, the ortho

called today because the scan he took last week had problems and he needs to

re-scan my baby's head, so I'm bringing my baby in tomorrow for the scan.

My experience these past 3 weeks has left me with little confidence in my

ortho's expertise in helmet therapy. My current plan is to voice my concerns

tomorrow during the appointment. If things don't improve by the end of the

month, I will most likely end therapy with Hanger and go to CIRS in Oakland. I

imagine I will have to pay out-of-pocket for helmet therapy at a second

clinic....

I would appreciate advice from families that have gone through a similar

experience being concerned about the ortho's expertise. Is it possible to get a

partial refund from Hanger? My ortho has been responsive to my calls and does

seem to be doing his best. It's just that it's been 3 weeks and my baby is

still not able to wear his helmet full-time. Also, I don't think I can continue

to go in for appointments every few days.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Recommended Posts