Success with DAN! protocol?

Adamsmama · 02-13-2008, 09:59 AM

I'm curious if any of you have had success with DAN! protocol with a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) dr. I've been looking into getting our son in with one of these drs. but the cost seems like it would be extreme. Why don't these doctors contract with insurance? Would it be covered by Medicaid? I called my insurance and one of the drs. would be covered at 60% after our deductible -- whereas an in-network would be 100%. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

krissi · 02-13-2008, 11:57 AM

Well...

I have mixed feelings. We had a great deal of success with some of the supplements / diet stuff suggested by DAN doctors. We never chelated -- I was never sold on the idea. But DD no longer qualifies for an autism diagnosis and is now classified in a different SN category -- I believe that for her and for probably a small fraction of other kids, the autism diagnosis is incorrect and is probably more accurately described autism-like behaviors caused by medical issues (ie. gut problems, bacterial imbalances, etc.) that can be at least partially addressed by some of the DAN interventions. I don't think that DAN doctors can or necessarily should "cure autism", but I think for kids that have real gut issues that are being brushed off by conventional doctors that the good DAN doctors can be helpful.

I have also some negative opinions about DAN lately, in part because of the numerous mercenaries and the outrageous and possibly dangerous protocols that some of them are selling. There aren't any standards or certifications that doctors have to acquire to proclaim themselves "DAN" doctors, other than having attended a conference. Many aren't even MD's -- I remember even seeing a few psychologists and "certified nutritionists" on the list.

I think they don't contract with insurance because they are usually small single-practitioner offices and the paperwork of billing insurance companies is an added cost. I did encounter a few DAN doctors who were fully contracted with insurance, and most others were at least willing to give you the paperwork and billing codes you'd need. We never had trouble getting reimbursement for the lab tests, etc., on our old PPO. You'd think that for the money they charge that they could handle hiring a billing assistant though.

chantald · 02-13-2008, 03:32 PM

We had had success so far and our friend son is doing really well on his DAN protocol. We have been very lucky to find a DAN dr that is an actual MD, who takes insurance and who is very cautious and honest. He has never suggested any treatment without sharing all the pros and cons, never pushes his suppliments and is always open to new information.

I my son's case, many of his issues are gut related and the DAN protcol has been great. He is midly on the Asperger's spectrum and we have noticed a good improvement with the latest suppliments our Dan dr suggested at the last visit. Our DAN dr is quick to stop suppliments that are not helping and doesnt' want our son taking anything that isn't moving us towards the goal of healing his system.

My friends son, who sees the same Dr, is undergoing chelation for extremely high heavy metals and at his most recent test, was down to a lead level of 7. A wonderful thing!!! His mother has seen dramatic results with his protocol and I'm always amazed at how well he is doing.

Every child is different, every Dr is different. I think it is sad that in this field there are some who take advantage of others..

buttercup · 02-14-2008, 01:22 PM

We have been doing DAN with our kids for the past 3 years and have seen great success, as has the 30 parents I know locally who are also seeing a DAN doc. As Krissi said, you definately need to do your research because there are some clinicians who are not as knowledgable or experienced as you would want.

In terms of expense, it really isn't the appts w. the DAN doc that is expensive, it is the treatments we implement. We have the final say in what we can and can not do based on our comfort level, our child's issues and finances. Our insurance does reimburse us for a portion of our visits and some of the treatments, such as mb-12 injections, chelation, IV glutathione and other related expenses. What they will not cover is supplements or treatments that are deemed experimental, such as hyperbarics.

I can't answer as to why they don't accept insurance. There is a lot of issues going on that I am not aware of and don't want to mention, but what I can say with our DAN doc every penny is worth it. If you have some kind of emergency or even have a question, you can send the doc an email or contact their office. A nurse will respond usually w/in an hour with guidance.

I recommend you go to www.autism.com and join www.autismweb.com and the yahoo group chelatingkids2 to talk to other parents doing biomed and to learn about it. You can also go to www.generationrescue.org to find a rescue angel in your area or www.nationalautismassociation.org and click "find a Friend"

**BookGoddess** · 02-15-2008, 02:23 AM

We haven't done DAN (not to say that we won't ever do it. Never say never) but I know of two children who have done very well on a DAN! protocol. Both saw reputable doctors who were very careful with the supplements and treatments. One child has done remarkably well but of course he had various therapies (Speech, OT, etc.) as well. I think someone who knows what to look for might see some of his quirks but to the average person he seems like just another first grader. They probably wouldn't realize how far he's come from his nonverbal days.