Re: Star band and Cranial Tech measurements difference is 50% - Please help

March 4, 2011

We only did our evaluation at CT (Dallas) and got a moderate plagiocephaly

diagnosis. I don't remember our numbers but our standard deviation number

started at +4.8 and CT recommends banding at +/- 2.0.

They scared the poop out of me too with dire consequences of not banding. I did

go ahead with the banding and will have gone through 2.5 bands by the time we

finish in April/May -ish.

May I ask who you talked with? The clinician who did our evaluation was not the

one we see on a regular basis. The one we see regularly () is very nice and

reassuring about outcomes (but honest too). But the evaluation clinician was

frightening.

What about getting a predetermination review from UHC? We had to do that with my

insurance (Klais and Co the first time and HCH the second time). CT submitted

the request for approval and it went before a medical committee. It took about 2

weeks each time and if approved they tell you what exactly the costs will be.

>

> Hello,

>

> We took our 6 month old daughter to both Star (, TX) and Cranial Tech

(Dallas,TX) for a head evaluation.

>

> Star Evaluation -

> diagnosed with medium plagiocephaly & brachycephaly. asymmetry is 3.6mm and

ears are asymemtrical because of flatness on one side. However he mentioned her

condition may not require a cranial helmet.

>

> Cranial tech Evaluation -

> diagnosed with moderate plagiocephaly & brachycephaly. mentioned the asymmetry

is 7mm and has facial asymmetry (eyes and ears). Measurements were taken by hand

(calipers). Of course my daughter was moving. They are also mentioned about

issues with jaw protruding, sinus issues. They just scared us with their

diagnosis and repercussions if it's not treated. Mentioned my daughter is a

candidate for the helmet.

>

> has anyone gotten more than one evaluation done which are so different? Please

help - I am not sure whom to go with. I can clearly see the plagiocephaly &

brachycephaly condition for my daugther. The way I see it, I'd rather get the

helmet than be helpless down the road and live with the consequence of not

treating it when we can.

>

> As for insurance - if we go with Star(in-network with UHC), per the

evaluation the asymmetry is 3.6mm and UHC will not cover it unless the asymmetry

is greater than 6mm but we get the contracted rate ($2300). Cranial Tech is out

of network with UHC and costs $3800. We have to pay $1000 deductible and may pay

60% of cost (but they can deny the 60% as well). how sick does someone need to

be for insurance companies to pay for healthcare? Our monthly premium is

substantial. This is just frustrating.

>

> Thanks

>

March 10, 2011

Our specialist who gave the Rx for the band was a cranial facial plastic surgeon

and used calipers to measure my daughter at 100% cephalic index (the brachy

measurement). Our starband ortho scanned her and got about 96%. All types of

measuring do have some margin of error. In our case we would have banded her

either way. In your case you need to decide based on her appearance. Also you

mentioned brachy, but haven't mentioned the number - that could be one more

factor to use in deciding.

-christine

sydney, 5 yrs, starband grad

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