Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with "DAN" doctors? DAN stands for "Defeat Autism Now" and they have completed special training and workshops on treating Autism using detoxification methods and Special diets. Many of them are MDs. That's about all I know about it at this time- but my mother has suggested that we take my daughter (age 3 1/2 who is Autistic) to a DAN doctor to see if they can do anything for her. I know our insurance will NEVER pay for it. One of my big questions right now is what does a consultation with a DAN doctor cost? What do follow up treatments cost, and how often would they want us to bring her back? It goes without saying that I would do anything to help my daughter. -Still I want to know what we are looking at financially.
Thanks Wendy
Thanks Wendy
I'll tell you a little about what I pay, but like I said, it will probably be different from what you pay. A 30-minute consultation runs me about $250-$300. My son has to be on 15 different supplements, and that runs me about $150 a month. All the tests (so far) have been about $1500, but that's been for 9 or 10 different tests. That's about it, in a nutshell. As for insurance, that depends on your coverage plan. Some plans will cover physician consultations. My plan also covers most lab work. Both of these are "out of network" and are covered at a lower percentage. The supplements aren't covered in my prescription plan because they're not considered "prescription". The doctor I'm working through doesn't accept insurance, but his office does give you the paperwork so I can file it myself. THe downside of this is that I have to pay for everything up front and hope the insurance company will at least cover some. He (the Dr.) does help me in this aspect. Insurance companies tend to shy away from anything pertaining to "autism". So he doesn't use any autism diagnosis codes for what he's doing. For example, he uses codes for "unspecified immune system deficiency" or "unspecified GI blockage. I think you get the picture. THe most important thing is to do your research and find a doctor with whom you are comfortable. If you have any questions at all, please ask. I would be more than happy to help.