November 18, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ --
New Bill Makes Insurance Coverage for TBIs Mandatory in Oregon
Article provided by J WILLIAM SAVAGE PC
Visit us at
www.savagelawyer.com
Senate Bill 381
The Oregon state legislature passed a bill this past summer that requires all health insurance companies in the state to provide coverage for medically necessary therapy and services for treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Even though this type of treatment is covered by the majority of insurers across the country, some of the largest insurance companies in Oregon were refusing to cover these treatments on the grounds that they were "unproven science." The passage of this bill is an important victory for those suffering from TBIs in need of cognitive therapies to help treat their injuries.
All health insurers offering policies in Oregon must begin offering this coverage to their policyholders on January 1, 2010.
What are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries can happen when there is any trauma to the brain. This can occur when someone hits his or her head, like in a fall, or when the head is shaken or jostled around, like in a whiplash injury. TBIs also can occur anytime the oxygen supply has been cut off to the brain, like during a difficult labor and delivery when the baby may suffer hypoxia. TBIs also can be the cumulative result of several head injuries. For example, if an individual has been involved in several car accidents or falls over a five year span, he or she may develop a brain injury as a result of the repeated head trauma.
TBIs most commonly occur as a result of falls and motor vehicle accidents, but they may also be caused by assaults or any time the head collides with another object. Children and adults who play organized or recreational sports are also at risk for suffering a TBI.
There is a common misconception that TBIs only occur when there has been severe trauma to the head that results in visible injury. But the degree of trauma does not necessarily correlate to the severity of the brain injury. For example, an individual may be able to walk away from a car accident with no visible injuries, appear coherent and yet still have a TBI. When it comes to head injuries, those that are not visible to the eye can be just as life-threatening as those that are.
What are the Symptoms of a TBI?
TBIs can be mild or severe. Using the term "mild" is rather misleading because all brain injuries are serious. But the symptoms of mild brain injuries tend to develop overtime. A person with a mild brain injury may not even realize he or she has suffered a serious injury, but friends and family member may begin noticing subtle differences in the injured person's personality, like mood swings and even agitation or aggressive behavior.
Some of the common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
-Loss of consciousness
-Difficulty concentrating
-Insomnia, difficulty sleeping
-Nausea, vomiting
-Dizziness, confusion
-Disorientation
-Irritability
-Mood swings, personality changes
-Fatigue
-Vision problems
-Changes in taste and smell
-Headaches
-Depression
It is not uncommon for the symptoms of a TBI to develop hours or even days after the initial injury. Since a TBI can be life-threatening, it is vital that anyone who has been in an accident or has otherwise hit their head immediately seek medical treatment.
There are diagnostic tests available that can help detect even a mild traumatic brain injury, including MRIs and CAT Scans. While not as common, physicians can also use specialized neurological testing known as "diffusion tensor imaging," or DTI, to diagnose TBIs. DTIs work by illuminating the brain's neuro pathways, creating a "map" of any subtle changes in the white matter of the brain, which may include those areas affected by a TBI.
What are the Treatment Options?
Generally there is little that can be done to reverse the initial damage to the brain. The important thing is ensuring that no further brain damage occurs after the initial injury. In more severe cases, this may require surgery to relieve pressure or to remove or repair ruptured blood vessels or other tissue in the brain (hematomas and contusions).
Those who have suffered moderate to severe brain damage may require several years - if not life-long - treatment. A customized treatment plan will be developed for the patient that may include physical therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and other physical and mental health services, depending on the severity of the injury and needs of the individual.
From the initial emergency room visit to the on-going doctor and therapy appointments, TBI treatment can be very expensive, even for those with good health insurance. Those with severe TBIs may require in-home nursing care or placement in a nursing home or other assisted living facility. While state and federal social services may help pay for some of the health expenses for qualified individuals and their families, these services alone will not be enough to cover all of the costs. Whether the family has health insurance coverage or not, they still may be required to pay a significant portion of the costs for the care and treatment of a TBI patient out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact an experienced attorney. If the injury occurred as result of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury, including for your current and future medical expenses. For more information, contact a lawyer experienced in representing TBI victims today.
Article provided by J WILLIAM SAVAGE PC
Visit us at
www.savagelawyer.com---
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