FL

Our program is fairly young , approximately 2 years, and we have resulted in tremendous growth in our Intrathecal Baclofen pump program. I currently manage approximately 40 pumps for our practice, overseen by 2 pediatric Physiatrists. Outside of spasticity management, we also have a brain injusry clinic, consultation service to 2 facilities and have weekly "Rehab clinic". With the interest of spasticity managament, we have a great deal of focus on these children and their families, helping understand why intrathecal balcofen would be beneficial, ongoing education and counseling, visits to our office for conitnuous pump management along with therapy management. Many lives have been positively affected since the start of our program here in Northeast Florida(in which our services extend north to southern Georgia, as far west as Pensecola, Fl. and south to Daytona area) If you do some research, you will be able to locate on wonderful success stories on some of our patients, specifically a 14 yo Hemiplegic CP whose dream was to run and now has ran his first half marathon. I cannot emphasize how dramatic this ITB program has been to our community. Maintaining the current reimbursement will continue to support this much needed program. Majority of our patients are medicaid and spasticity management is a large component of our clinic. Please reconsider your plans to change reimbursement strategies. I truelt feel it would have a negative impact not only to all providers involved with pump management, but to our patients and families as well. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Mary Carrigan ARNP