At Phoenix Orthotics & Prosthetics, we believe every family deserves personalized attention throughout the helmet therapy journey. We take the time to educate parents, answer questions, and provide close follow-up care to ensure both comfort and successful outcomes. With extensive experience in cranial remolding therapy and a commitment to treating each child as an individual—not a number—we strive to make the experience positive, supportive, and rewarding for every family we serve.

We believe quality care is not measured by the number of appointments, but by ensuring each child receives the right care at the right time. Follow-up visits are individualized based on growth, fit, and treatment progress.

Initial Evaluation:

• A thorough evaluation of an infant’s head shape is completed during the first visit at Phoenix Orthotics and Prosthetics.  After obtaining the baby’s history from his or her parents or care givers, measurements are taken.  The baby’s head is then scanned and a series of six clinical photographs are taken.  These photographs are repeated at the end of the treatment for comparison

Next Steps:

We obtain insurance authorization; After approval we set up a fabrication scan appointment so this can be 3D printed and delivered in two weeks.

Every child begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a certified orthotist experienced in cranial remolding therapy.

The process typically includes:

• A detailed review of your child’s medical history and head shape development.

• Non-invasive 3D scanning technology to capture the shape of your infant’s head. This process is quick, painless, radiation-free, and does not require sedation.

• Precise measurements and analysis to determine whether helmet therapy is recommended.

• A discussion of treatment goals, expected outcomes, estimated treatment duration, and insurance coverage.

If helmet therapy is appropriate, the digital scan is used to design a custom cranial remolding orthosis specifically for your child.

Once the scan and measurements are completed, your child’s custom helmet is fabricated to match their unique anatomy and treatment needs.

When the helmet is ready, you will return for a fitting appointment where we will:

•  Verify proper fit and comfort.
• Review wear schedules and care instructions.

• Answer any questions regarding daily use.

• Establish a follow-up schedule to monitor progress.

Many families enjoy personalizing their helmet with colors to make the experience more fun and memorable.

A cranial remolding orthosis does not squeeze or force the skull into a new shape. Instead, it gently guides natural head growth by providing space in areas where growth is desired while limiting growth in prominent areas.

As your baby’s brain grows, the skull gradually expands into the open areas within the helmet, encouraging a more symmetrical head shape over time.

Because treatment relies on natural growth, starting therapy during infancy generally provides the greatest opportunity for correction.

Once your child’s custom 3D-printed cranial remolding orthosis has been fabricated and returned to our office, we will schedule a delivery appointment. During this visit, your practitioner will carefully fit the helmet and ensure it is comfortable, secure, and functioning as intended. Any necessary adjustments or modifications will be made at that time.

This appointment is also focused on parent and caregiver education. We will review:

• How to properly put on and remove the helmet
• The recommended wearing schedule
• Cleaning and daily care instructions
• What skin markings are normal and what to watch for
• When to contact our office with concerns
• Emergency and troubleshooting information
• Tips for helping your child adjust to helmet wear

To allow your child time to adapt, there is a gradual 5-day break-in period. Your child will begin by wearing the helmet for short periods and slowly increase wear time each day until reaching the recommended 23 hours per day schedule.

The delivery appointment is comprehensive, and we encourage parents to ask as many questions as needed so they feel confident caring for the helmet at home.

Approximately one week after delivery, your child will return for a follow-up appointment. This visit allows us to evaluate fit, check skin tolerance, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure the treatment plan is progressing as expected.

Many parents find this appointment especially helpful, as it provides an opportunity to discuss questions that arise after spending the first week at home with the helmet. Our goal is to make sure both you and your child are comfortable and successful throughout the treatment process.

We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to becoming part of Team Roundhead! 

Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of successful treatment.

After the initial fitting, we closely monitor your child’s progress and make adjustments as needed to accommodate growth and maintain optimal correction. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 1–2 weeks, depending on age, growth rate, and treatment progress.

Most infants gradually work up to wearing the helmet 23 hours per day, removing it only for bathing and cleaning.

Treatment length varies for each child but commonly ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on age, growth patterns, and severity of asymmetry.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for cranial remolding orthoses when medical necessity criteria are met. Because coverage varies by insurance carrier and policy, our team can help verify benefits, obtain authorizations when required, and explain any anticipated out-of-pocket expenses before treatment begins.

We understand that navigating insurance can be overwhelming for families. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible by assisting with documentation, prior authorizations, and communication with your insurance provider whenever needed.

If you have questions regarding insurance coverage, billing, or payment options, our staff is happy to help.

If you want to check your insurance coverage by calling your insurance they will ask for the medical code for the device and that is S1040

Depending on the insurance carrier, authorization may require:

• Physician evaluation and diagnosis

• Head shape measurements and 3D scan data

• Documentation of plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or cranial asymmetry severity

• Physical therapy records when torticollis is present

• Documentation of repositioning efforts and response to treatment

• Growth and developmental history

• Age at initiation of treatment

Our team can help identify the specific requirements for your insurance plan and coordinate with your child’s healthcare providers to obtain the necessary documentation.