United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello. I'm new to the forums and I just had some questions about Erb's Palsy and possible treatment options, as well as insurance coverage. I'm a teen who was born with Erb's Palsy in my left arm, which has left my left deltoid and bicep smaller and weaker than my right. I am unable to fully supinate my left arm, and when I try to do so, my bicep and lattisimus dorsi muscles tense to complete the rotation somewhat.

I live in Oregon, so I don't believe there are any great surgeons around the area, but then again I'm not sure. I also have the Oregon Health Plan, which is basically Oregon's version of Medicaid, and I believe it covers all treatment that I would need. I have scheduled an appointment with my doctor, but the appointment is quite a long time away, and I was wondering if there was any other people who I could contact or if I could get any more information about the subject. I've already contacted Dr. Nath, in Texas, and am awaiting a reply, but a lot of people disagree with his surgical methods on the forums, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

I was just wondering if Medicaid could potentially cover surgery, flight, and stay, in the city that I would need to go to in order to get an evaluation, or surgery. Would I need a referral from my doctor, or can I just contact the physicians directly? Are there any recommended surgeons around my area that deal with these kind of problems?

Thank you,

David

Hey David,

Since you are a teen, you would be eligible for treatment at Shriners Hospital. Dr. Kozin is a BPI specialist in Pennsylvania and if you are accepted into the program they would cover the expenses for travel and your stay as well as the evaluation and potential surgery if indicated.

I would try there as they have a very well respected program, and financially would make sense ...

http://ubpn.org/index.php?option=com_ph ... 117&id=387


rich

Oh wow, thank you SO much for your help. I used to be involved with Shriner's when I was little, but all they assigned me was physical therapy, which my father never followed through with by making me do the exercises. Hopefully this time I can get some more information from them.

Thanks again,

David

Dr li of Baptist Hospital winston salem, north carolina. He performed only grafts on me at 11 months post injury.