[Lara]

Thought I should make another post, otherwise I'll end up editing and adding information all day.

Teri,
Here's just one example of the problem we face regarding TS still being in the DSM. The DSM has caused more grief than is imaginable but I promise I'm not going to start a rant on that here because I might never stop. I also mentioned that neurolgists diagnose TS. That certainly would be the referral where I live, although I note on this TSA news item that both neurologist and psychiatrists treat.

Link to TSA-USA News Release

tourette syndrome association requests the inclusion of Mental health parity within medicaid

On November 16, Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) Board Member, Sandra Hollis, whose son, Zak has Tourette Syndrome, testified before the Medicaid Commission about the financial disparities that exist between the coverage for mental illness and physical illness and requested the inclusion of Mental Health Parity in the Commission’s report regarding long-term recommendations for Medicaid.

For historical reasons TS has been classified as a mental health disorder in the reference lists used by health maintenance organizations and health insurers. This is so despite the fact that TS is an inherited, neurobiological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and sounds. Both neurologists and psychiatrists treat the disorder, using the same medications.

As a result of the arbitrary classification of TS in the mental health category, many people with TS have been denied or greatly limited in receiving reimbursement for expenses of treatment relating to hospital stays, office visits, and medications. This bipartisan bill would take great strides in ending the use of arbitrary, one-size-fits-all limits on mental health benefits that are different from limits on other medical and surgical benefits.

The battle never ends. *sigh