Just wondering if you have looked at this doctor in Alabama, he is in the medical resource directory:
http://ubpn.org/medicalresources/me ... naire.html
Alabama BPI Specialists/Clinics
Richard D. Meyer, MD
Response to UBPN questionnaire:
NOTE: Only questions answered are included here
When was your Brachial Plexus Injury Clinic established?
1980 Identify what specialties related to brachial plexus injuries are represented by practitioners working in your clinic including physical/occupational therapists, if any.
We have adult and pediatric orthopedics, pediatric neurology, and O.T.’s. What do you/your clinic specialize in treating?
* adult brachial plexus injuries
* obstetrical brachial plexus injuries
* trauma or other brachial plexus injuries
Indicate the total number of brachial plexus patients you/your clinic has evaluated since your establishment:
Number of children (Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries):
over 200
Number of children (Trauma or other brachial plexus injuries):
55
Number of adults (Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries):
120
Number of adults (Trauma or other brachial plexus injuries):
350 State your philosophy regarding evaluation, referral and treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus injuries in children.
We prefer to see any and all obstetrical plexus injuries as soon after the first month as possible. We then watch them monthly and begin stretching, especially the shoulder but not before one month. If they appear to have a global palsy with no return by late two months, we recommend surgical intervention. If they are progressing at a normal rate, then we continue to observe. State your philosophy regarding evaluation, referral and treatment of trauma or other brachial plexus injuries in children.
With trauma or other plexus problems, we like to see them as soon as possible after the injury. Depending on the problem at 4 weeks we get baseline electrical studies and follow as necessary with conservative treatments or intervention as necessary. We believe in controlling the pain with appropriate meds. As Neurontin etc.. State your philosophy regarding evaluation, referral and treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus injuries in adults.
These patients are all referred to O.T. to see what their true functional deficits are, what their expectations are, and then we see them and evaluate to see if we can meet their expectations with surgery. If not, then we counsel them appropriately. State your philosophy regarding evaluation, referral and treatment of trauma or other brachial plexus injuries in adults.
As with the children’s injuries, we prefer to see them at one month, unless penetrating injuries, and then do similar evaluation. We prefer to operate earlier rather than later, and will do whatever necessary to achieve a functional result, be it free flaps, nerve transfers, or simple repairs. Indicate research efforts (include dates please) conducted by you specific to brachial plexus injuries.
We are currently investigating ways to do thoracic outlet releases endoscopically. Indicate any other facts that you feel would help families and individuals understand your practice.
We are one of the oldest brachial plexus injury centers in the country, and have done many repairs on both children and adults. We also begin treatment and evaluation on such painful conditions such as post radiation, post avulsion injuries, thoracic outlet and tumors. Do you accept any national/governmental payment for services or are you enrolled in any state medicaid plans? Please provide information on these plans and include which states you are enrolled in for medicaid services.
As a university center, we accept Medicare and all state medicaid plans.