When a family has been monitoring a child’s development and is starting to wonder if the child would benefit from an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluation, the team at Acorn Health understands that process isn’t easy to understand, and can take a long time to coordinate. Acorn Health is committed to helping families and children with autism access health and support services when they need it, rather than waiting months or even years for answers.
For our families in Michigan, we are delighted to announce a development that will make it possible for children to receive diagnostic testing sooner. Specifically, Acorn Health has achieved designation as an autism evaluation center approved by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. This Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC) program will initially take place at the following Acorn Health locations:
Acorn Health is the first non-academic, non-hospital-affiliated provider to achieve this designation, and we are thrilled for what this means for families. At these Michigan locations, Dr. Gregory Worthington will be a part of a team that provides AAEC diagnostic testing, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. Patients will be evaluated in multiple appointments including a speech pathologist, board-certified pediatricians and a fully licensed clinical psychologist. Parents will, in most cases, learn whether their child meets or does not meet the criteria for an ASD diagnosis at the conclusion of diagnostic testing. Blue Cross Blue Shield or Blue Care Network insurance in Michigan requires this type of diagnostic testing in order to cover the costs of ABA therapy.
Because of this increased availability for diagnostic testing, Acorn Health is able to remove barriers that currently exist for families seeking an autism diagnosis in the state of Michigan. Currently, many families face 6-month to 2-year long wait times, which can delay the time a child is able to begin ABA therapy and make progress.
If you live in Michigan and have Blue Cross Blue Shield or Blue Care Network insurance and want to schedule your diagnostic appointment at one of our locations, please call 844-244-1818.