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Originally Posted by LTHFAdvocate
I really don't think this is the case Jillio. I've never met a CI surgeon with the attitude you describe below, and I've actually met more than half of the CI surgeons in the US in person, and probably communicated with another 1/3 of them by phone or e-mail. I can't remember any letter of medical necessity ever written by an implant clinic (and again, seen hundreds of these) that doesn't include a significant component on therapy and education following the CI surgery. A huge chunk of medical/audiological cochlear implant conferences is dedicated to the topics of "what else needs to go with the implant to optimize speech and language outcomes", including entire 1/2 and frequently full day sessions educational and psychological issues in addition to the always-present topics on therapy, which complement the issues on surgical techniques and timing. There were 1200 attendees at the last conference like this in April in Charlotte.
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That is what I am referring to: maximize speech and hearing outcomes. That is a very limited view. And let me ask, does your clinic also arrange for follow up counseling services for both parent and child and siblings following implantation? Do they have someone who does home visists? Do they offer advocacy for educaitonal services, or does advocacy end once the insurance company has been convinced to pay for the surgery? The problems that are being encountered are notthose that can be addressed through surgery or medicine. Butthey are still a very real part of the CI experience.
And what about pre-surgical services? Or are we in such a rush to complete the implantation in a timely manner, that we forget that CI surgery is life changing, not just for the recipient, for for the family, as well.