Blog Post I Enjoyed Most: Robert Rummel-Hudson is a father of a daughter with polymicrogyria (a rare neurological disorder) which effects speech in addition to many other things. He has written a book about his journey with his daughter, Schuyler. He also writes a blog and I particularly enjoyed his most recent post. This particular post has little to do with Schuyler but much to do with frustration. I also enjoyed the Office Space reference.
Interesting Apraxia Article: Here is an article I found on the Apraxia-Kids website about trying to get insurance coverage. I’m just starting to seriously research this topic so I’m sharing one of my first finds. I intend to do a full post on this when I get a little further in the process.
Ava’s new favorite phrase: I love this one. This week she’s started saying, “O-tay (okay) Mama.” I’ll say, “Let’s go put your shoes on.” and she’ll reply, “O-tay Mama.” It really is adorable. She says it in the cutest way and it’s a nice contrast from last week’s constant “no.” We still hear lots of “no,” but at least we’re hearing some agreeableness too.
Ava's second new favorite phrase: I don't love this one quite as much. "Na (not) Dada. Mama." This is repeated several times in urgent succession any time my husband attempts to help with Ava's care. I have mentioned the Mama stage she's going through?
Michael's Phrase of the Week: "Daddy, will you come play with me?" This request has been constant this week whenever my husband is home. I'll admit to a little bit of quiet amusement every time I hear it. Ava has been going through that Mama phase. I enjoy seeing the tables turned a little with Michael.
Favorite Project of the Week: My favorite this week was definitely the eye dropper art with the kids. It was a lot of fun.
A Speech Pathologist Mother and Her Daughter Diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Friday, April 1, 2011
Poll #2 results
Only 5 people responded to March's poll question. The question was: How old is your child with CAS? One person has a child under two years of age. One person has a two year old. The other three people who answered have a child who is three years old. No one answered four years or older.
Click in the sidebar to answer this month’s question.
Click in the sidebar to answer this month’s question.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Insurance Coverage - So Intimidating
It’s incredibly depressing. I looked up whether speech therapy is covered by our insurance policy. Essentially the answer is not unless your child has speech and then loses it due to head injury or stroke. They don’t cover developmental delays.
My understanding after doing a bit of research is that I can appeal that. I can argue that Ava does not have a developmental delay. A developmental delay implies that if left alone, she’ll eventually catch up on her own. That is definitely not the case. Ava has a neurological speech disorder. She will only catch up if she has intensive, specific types of therapy.
I’ve read that if you make the right kind of appeals with the appropriate insurance diagnostic codes (neurological disorder, lack of muscle coordination problem, etc.) and you have a lot of persistence and luck you can get some insurance coverage. To be honest, I read a little bit about the process, I get discouraged, and I promise myself I’ll look at it again next week. Well, that was three months ago.
This therapy stuff is expensive and it is putting a significant strain on our family’s budget. I’m already having to fight balancing budget needs with Ava’s need for intensive therapy. I think to myself, “Does she really need to see Ms. E twice a week, or would once a week be enough?” The real answer is that she definitely needs twice a week. Three times would be even better. I hate letting money dictate my decisions about what is best for my daughter, but that is a practical reality.
Having some insurance coverage would make a huge difference, but I don’t know where to start. I’m paying two different therapists out of pocket. Neither therapist submits to insurance for you. I don’t even know how to do it myself. I guess I need to find out. I understand that the appeals process can take months, so I suppose I should get started soon.
My understanding after doing a bit of research is that I can appeal that. I can argue that Ava does not have a developmental delay. A developmental delay implies that if left alone, she’ll eventually catch up on her own. That is definitely not the case. Ava has a neurological speech disorder. She will only catch up if she has intensive, specific types of therapy.
I’ve read that if you make the right kind of appeals with the appropriate insurance diagnostic codes (neurological disorder, lack of muscle coordination problem, etc.) and you have a lot of persistence and luck you can get some insurance coverage. To be honest, I read a little bit about the process, I get discouraged, and I promise myself I’ll look at it again next week. Well, that was three months ago.
This therapy stuff is expensive and it is putting a significant strain on our family’s budget. I’m already having to fight balancing budget needs with Ava’s need for intensive therapy. I think to myself, “Does she really need to see Ms. E twice a week, or would once a week be enough?” The real answer is that she definitely needs twice a week. Three times would be even better. I hate letting money dictate my decisions about what is best for my daughter, but that is a practical reality.
Having some insurance coverage would make a huge difference, but I don’t know where to start. I’m paying two different therapists out of pocket. Neither therapist submits to insurance for you. I don’t even know how to do it myself. I guess I need to find out. I understand that the appeals process can take months, so I suppose I should get started soon.
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