Most brachial plexus injuries caused during a difficult childbirth resolve on their own. By the time the baby is about four months old, the injury to the brachial plexus would have healed naturally. Else a gentle massage and physiotherapy may be the answer to resolving this problem. If all these fail then surgery is the only answer.
Sometimes a very severe accident leaves the brachial plexus damaged and the arm is severely paralyzed. If the damage is very extensive, amputation may be needed. If the patient goes in for surgery which would be a very complicated one, lasting several hours, almost 10 to 12 hours on the operating table, the cost would be very high, almost fifty thousand dollars which may include the surgeon’s fee, the consultation charges, the medications, hospitalization, the anesthesia charges and the medical tests. The insurance companies will thoroughly study the case and then decide if insurance claims have to be paid.
Sometimes, tumors, strokes, may also lead to damage of the brachial plexus. Here too the cost of the operation would be high and in such cases the insurance company may cover the cost if the case is genuine and the insurance company is satisfied about it. It should also come under the purview of the insurance companies’ rules and regulations. Each company has its own set of rules, which are strictly adhered to. The patient and his family should first find out if the surgical costs are covered or not. As it is a real problem and injury, the insurance companies may take a lenient view of the situation.
But as most brachial palsy cases, also called Erb’s palsy or obstetrical brachial plexus, are a result of difficult childbirth, one has to contact the health insurance company to see if they have a program for children with special needs. Each state and each insurance company will have their own methods of evaluation when deciding on the insurance cover. Some states offer programs that give such children access to free or low cost in-home therapies. It is called the Early Intervention (EI) (ages 0-3) in some states. Medicaid programs may give the patient an option for free or low cost secondary insurance. Some health insurance may cover travel to out-of-state clinics. If not, free or discounted medical airfare is also available from many airlines. |
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