Autism clinic faces probes by insurers, medical investigators
May 4th, 2009From the Austin American-Statesman:
Owners of an Austin-area clinic which treats children with autism using controversial techniques say the center is facing a financial crisis in the wake of investigations by three major insurers. The Texas Medical Board is also investigating the clinic’s medical director.
Co-owner of the CARE clinic Kazuko Grace Curtin says they have treated more than 5,000 patients from around the world since 2003. Among charges disputed by insurers is the clinic’s use of chelation, which is not approved by the FDA for treating autism. Doctors say it is risky and has not been proven effective.
The clinic performs more than 20 tests on each child for a variety of ailments, at a cost of “several hundred dollars” each. Curtin said the clinic had “cured many kids.” Doctors urged parents to be cautious, since autism is a condition without a known cause or cure.
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