Insurance won't pay

[mom2ck]

Ok, after looking closer at my husbands medical insurance policy that covers my children, I am very upset. I knew his insurance wasn't worth much, but now even more so. They do not cover any childhood disorders, alternative therapies, or mental disorders as they call them. I already knew adhd wasn't covered and neither are the meds. But, nothing else that goes with it is either. Allergy testing is covered if it is medically necessary and it doesn't require a referral. But, the allergist only does the needles in the back...ouch!

So now what? I can't afford to pay for the testing of all of this. I'm looking into possibly getting another policy just on my son, but then it will have a period before coverage can begin. Plus, it will be another expense we really can't afford. I'm really getting more and more upset about this whole thing.

Plus, today he started a clearing his throat tic again. I'm sure it has something to do with seasonal allergies as this has been bothering him this week. It is about to drive me nuts! I have to go to another room.

However, I did have the psychologist (I think) that my ds ped. dr. recommended return my message today. I was very surprised it was the dr. himself and he was very thorough answering my questions. His special area is adhd and ocd which his ped. dr. diagnosed him as. I asked about alternative therapies and he said he does alphastem (not sure of spelling) and neurofeedback. Plus, he explained a little about each. Has anyone had any luck with either? The problem is again insurance won't cover. He is suppose to be sending me his price list and available services.

My friend also told me about The Autism Program (TAP) of Illinois. Has anyone dealt with this group before? My friend said this is where she finally got a diagnosis and help with her DS. I have a call into them as well.

I feel like we are caught here. Any suggestions?

[ilovedogs]

Just a quick reply about Neurofeedback for ADHD: it's pretty controversial over whether it works for the long haul. Our therapist is getting certified in it and he said insurance doesn't pay but he might be able to adjust the billing. I'm not sure we're even going to try it as I've heard it's hit or miss. I've never heard of the other thing you mentioned.

Here's what you can try on your own without a doctor's approval for relatively little money. Try starting him on a magnesium supplement and on epsom salts baths every night. 2 cups of salts and soak for 20 mins. Also, you might want to find some B6(not a B complex yet). Bonnie Grimaldi's vitamin plan has 50 mg of B6 daily but you might want to find a 25 mg to start with and increase if you see no adverse affects. This has helped my son so far. Not with the OCD but with the tics a bit. Also, try giving him Omegas in the form of Flaxseed Oil(some kids with tics react poorly to the fish supps). I buy a Cinnamon flaxseed oil and mix it into smoothies or breakfast drinks on a daily basis for him.

So, at least these things can get you started. Also, you might want to find a naturopathic college in your vicinity. Many times you can see an intern for a discounted cost and they will run everything by the docs for you. We have the Southwest Naturopathic College here and I have a few friends who take advantage of their program.

Ok: so I wasn't so quick but I hope it was helpful. By the way, how bad is the OCD? I know Chemar has done some things for her son's OCD that has been very helpful.

Bonnie