Welcome to VBF!

Ask the VBF Experts

Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist
Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains.

Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director
Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist
If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus.

Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide.

Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE
VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach!

Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director
Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral.

Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist
Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions.

Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance
This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist
One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome.

Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist
Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian

Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist
If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola.

Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist
Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia.

Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon
Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations.

Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist
Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care.

Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist
Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez.

Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon
Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area).

Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon

Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions.

Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist
VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner.

Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry.

Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon
Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations.

Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon
Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military.

Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist
If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge.

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks.

Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation

If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions.

Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist
Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie.

Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist
Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC
is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa.

Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist
Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up.

Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert
Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up.

Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology.

Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida.

Alicita, Spanish Expert
Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish.

What Our Families Are Saying About Us

"We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world."
Jill Brown

Hi Linda
Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion.
Gina

Recent forum threads

Visit the forum

Insurance Claims

How to Appeal an Insurance Denial or
Request Out-of-Network Treatment (pdf)

Massachusetts Residents Get Free Health Insurance

You have health insurance and you expect your benefits to cover the cost of treatment for a vascular birthmark. Your insurance or HMO denies coverage. It's not an unusual situation. Many insurance companies still classify the treatment of vascular birthmarks as cosmetic surgery. The reason: for decades, the medical books instructed physicians to "leave them alone, they will go away." Therefore, if the books say they will go away, the insurance company is going to consider treatment "elective." Unfortunately, it will take a great deal of time and effort to change this philosophy. In the meantime, we want to help you plan a strategy for appealing an insurance denial. The following information has been excerpted from the Birthmarks book but it should be enough information to get you started on your appeal.

* Because there are so few specialists who treat vascular birthmarks, you may have to go out of network. If that's the case, you'll need to get a doctor in your network who will support your cause. Supply your network doctor with articles, journals, internet information and even a copy of the Birthmarks book as support for your cause. You will need his/her referral to the "out of network" specialist in order to convince the insurance company that the treatment is necessary and not obtainable in your network.

* Keep a detailed journal of the lesion(s) from birth to present. Document if the lesion bleeds, causes pain, problems, swelling, emergency room visits, or doctor visits for concern. If the lesion is on the lip, indicate if it affects eating or drinking or speaking.

* Seek other opinions that will support "out of network" treatment. Find a doctor who will do a phone consult with the specialist. Send him/her photos and or documention with and MRI, etc.

* If you are denied coverage verbally or in writing, request a detailed written explanation of the denial (this is very important for your cause/case). Ask your support doctor to request an "expedited appeal." Call your carrier personally and ask the Medical Case Management Department for the specific steps to appeal the decision. Most carriers have 5 to 6 appeal levels. You don't need a lawyer, most companies allow you to write the appeal letter yourself.

* Notify the Benefits Department of your employer about the denial. The insurance company may not be following the specific guidelines for your plan. A claims adjuster can make an error or faulty decision.

* Write or call your claims adjuster personally.

* File an appeal with your state's Commissioner of Insurance Department.

* When writing to your Commissioner of Insurance, use key words and phrases like "the quality of my child's life has been adversely affected by this lesion" or if the lesion is near an eye, ear or mouth you can indicate that it MAY cause a problem with seeing, hearing, eating or speaking. Also, list frequency of any bleeding, ulcerating, crying episodes.

* Indicate that the out of network specialist can likely treat the child in fewer visits than a doctor who does not know how to treat the child.

* Ask the surgeon who agrees to do your child's surgery if she/he will accept the network fee for such treatment.

Front Page News

Thanks to everyone who made the 2011 VBF Conference in Irvine, CA. a HUGE success!

Dr. Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director, in the news!

VBF Expert, Dr. Gregory Levitin makes the news, fights for family to get treatment !

Youth raises awareness about brother's Lymphatic Malformation

Organize a Birthmark Awareness Walk/Run

VBF TEXAS ANGEL KISS GALA MAKES FRONT PAGE

VBF Boston 5k race/ 1 mile walk raises over $10,000

Dr. Linda named one of News 10's Wonderful Women!

Frank Catalanotto's Golf Event Coverage in Long Island Press

Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF

Dr. Levitin Clinic Opens in NYC

VBF Russia Facilitates Treatment

VBF 2010 Annual Newsletter

New Research on Propranolol

VBF Launches 2011 DOA
We need 25 families

Join Our Team

Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF

GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS

Abby Czirr Physician Education Grant

VFrank and Barbara Catalanotto, VBF Honorary Chairs

Frank is a retired professional baseball player and he and his wife are the proud parents of four girls, one who had a hemangioma on her nose and was networked into treatment by VBF. http://www.fcatalanotto.org/message.php

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story

President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (L) and her Daughter Christine (R)

Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark.

español | deutsch | français | italiano | português

DISCLAIMER
Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly.

Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

|Administrative|

Founded by:
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD)
President / Founder
© , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved.
VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible.
Federal Tax ID 16-1515227

Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.


VBF Birthmarks Treatment Resources Research Studies Register Donate Community Forum
	Ask the VBF Experts Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains. Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus. Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide. Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach! Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral. Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions. Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome. Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola. Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia. Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations. Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care. Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez. Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area). Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions. Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner. Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry. Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations. Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military. Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge. Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks. Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions. Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie. Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa. Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up. Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up. Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology. Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida. Alicita, Spanish Expert Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish. What Our Families Are Saying About Us "We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world." Jill Brown Hi Linda Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion. Gina Recent forum threads Compression stocking for calf haemangioma Successful surgery Photo in post Visit the forum	Insurance Claims Insurance Claims How to Appeal an Insurance Denial or Request Out-of-Network Treatment (pdf) Massachusetts Residents Get Free Health Insurance You have health insurance and you expect your benefits to cover the cost of treatment for a vascular birthmark. Your insurance or HMO denies coverage. It's not an unusual situation. Many insurance companies still classify the treatment of vascular birthmarks as cosmetic surgery. The reason: for decades, the medical books instructed physicians to "leave them alone, they will go away." Therefore, if the books say they will go away, the insurance company is going to consider treatment "elective." Unfortunately, it will take a great deal of time and effort to change this philosophy. In the meantime, we want to help you plan a strategy for appealing an insurance denial. The following information has been excerpted from the Birthmarks book but it should be enough information to get you started on your appeal. * Because there are so few specialists who treat vascular birthmarks, you may have to go out of network. If that's the case, you'll need to get a doctor in your network who will support your cause. Supply your network doctor with articles, journals, internet information and even a copy of the Birthmarks book as support for your cause. You will need his/her referral to the "out of network" specialist in order to convince the insurance company that the treatment is necessary and not obtainable in your network. * Keep a detailed journal of the lesion(s) from birth to present. Document if the lesion bleeds, causes pain, problems, swelling, emergency room visits, or doctor visits for concern. If the lesion is on the lip, indicate if it affects eating or drinking or speaking. * Seek other opinions that will support "out of network" treatment. Find a doctor who will do a phone consult with the specialist. Send him/her photos and or documention with and MRI, etc. * If you are denied coverage verbally or in writing, request a detailed written explanation of the denial (this is very important for your cause/case). Ask your support doctor to request an "expedited appeal." Call your carrier personally and ask the Medical Case Management Department for the specific steps to appeal the decision. Most carriers have 5 to 6 appeal levels. You don't need a lawyer, most companies allow you to write the appeal letter yourself. * Notify the Benefits Department of your employer about the denial. The insurance company may not be following the specific guidelines for your plan. A claims adjuster can make an error or faulty decision. * Write or call your claims adjuster personally. * File an appeal with your state's Commissioner of Insurance Department. * When writing to your Commissioner of Insurance, use key words and phrases like "the quality of my child's life has been adversely affected by this lesion" or if the lesion is near an eye, ear or mouth you can indicate that it MAY cause a problem with seeing, hearing, eating or speaking. Also, list frequency of any bleeding, ulcerating, crying episodes. * Indicate that the out of network specialist can likely treat the child in fewer visits than a doctor who does not know how to treat the child. * Ask the surgeon who agrees to do your child's surgery if she/he will accept the network fee for such treatment.	Front Page News Thanks to everyone who made the 2011 VBF Conference in Irvine, CA. a HUGE success! Dr. Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director, in the news! VBF Expert, Dr. Gregory Levitin makes the news, fights for family to get treatment ! Youth raises awareness about brother's Lymphatic Malformation Organize a Birthmark Awareness Walk/Run VBF TEXAS ANGEL KISS GALA MAKES FRONT PAGE VBF Boston 5k race/ 1 mile walk raises over $10,000 Dr. Linda named one of News 10's Wonderful Women! Frank Catalanotto's Golf Event Coverage in Long Island Press Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF Dr. Levitin Clinic Opens in NYC VBF Russia Facilitates Treatment VBF 2010 Annual Newsletter New Research on Propranolol VBF Launches 2011 DOA We need 25 families Join Our Team Create Your Own Join Me Page to Help Raise Needed Funds for VBF Search this site: GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS Abby Czirr Physician Education Grant VFrank and Barbara Catalanotto, VBF Honorary Chairs Frank is a retired professional baseball player and he and his wife are the proud parents of four girls, one who had a hemangioma on her nose and was networked into treatment by VBF. http://www.fcatalanotto.org/message.php Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (L) and her Daughter Christine (R)
Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark. español \| deutsch \| français \| italiano \| português DISCLAIMER Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly. Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages. \|Administrative\| Founded by: Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD) President / Founder © , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved. VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible. Federal Tax ID 16-1515227 Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.