What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy provides support for infants and children who are at risk for delays or those with conditions impacting development. Occupational therapists address issues that impact a child’s ability to participate in age appropriate tasks such as eating, sleeping, moving, playing, participating in daily routines, and social engagement. The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to maximize development and minimize potential for delays through a hands on treatment approach and by supporting caregivers to understand and meet the needs of their infants and children.
How do I schedule an evaluation?
Click on the “schedule a consultation” or call 305-985-0065 for your free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have regarding services.
If you plan to submit a “superbill” to insurance, most insurance companies will require a doctor’s referral. Though it is not necessary for me to see your child, I highly recommend a doctor’s referral prior to the appointment in order to coordinate care. Please fax to 844-444-1223.
Once we find an appointment time that works for you and your child, I will send intake paperwork via email. This paperwork must be completed prior to the scheduled appointment.
For a feeding concern, it will be important to schedule your appointment time during a feeding time so that I can observe them eating as part of the assessment.
Do you provide home, daycare or school visits?
Core Pediatric Therapy provides therapy mainly “in clinic” which is located inside the Mosaic Therapy Gym and Suites building. Besides a designated therapy room, we have access to a feeding room or kitchen and a large sensory gym. Due to the specialty services that I provide, therapy is generally best completed in the clinic setting, however, occasional or regular therapy can be arranged for an additional cost or travel fee based on location and driving time.
How will I pay for my child’s specialty OT services?
At this time, Core Pediatric Therapy does not accept any insurance that requires submission from us. Private pay (cash, check, or all major credit cards) is accepted. Core Pediatric Therapy is considered an out-of-network provider and fees are due at the time of service regardless of your insurance provider. Although we do not directly bill insurance companies, we can provide you with an itemized invoice or “superbill" each visit so that you can submit directly to your insurance company to seek out-of-network provider reimbursement. Plans that exclude out-of-network visits will not be eligible for reimbursement. Submission of claims is not a guarantee of payment, It is up to you to investigate your coverage and you are responsible for any charges insurance does not cover.
Some Health Savings Accounts (HSA) may allow you to use your card for payment and over services provided, but it is up to you to ensure that the charges are considered an approved medical expense. Therapy is also frequently reimbursable through FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts).
Core Pediatric Therapy is a proud participating provider for recipients of the Step Up for Students Family Empowerment Scholarship (formerly Gardiner Scholarship). Visit the website www.stepupforstudents.org for more information.
I think it’s important to say that not all therapy services are equal. We all have different skillsets, experience levels, and areas of expertise. It’s important to find the provider who can best and most efficiently answer your questions and meet your needs for your infant or child. Don’t let insurance dictate your provider. You will find the most success with therapy by finding a provider with an appropriate and experienced skill set.
RIGHT TO A GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit
www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
What can I expect during an evaluation?
Detailed interview/history
Standardized and non-standardized assessments as appropriate for your infant or child’s concern areas
Clinical feeding and/or oral motor assessment if area of concern. Please bring formula, bottle, preferred foods, etc.
Discussion of observations and testing, review of recommendations for frequency and treatment options
Instruction in initial home programming as appropriate
Evaluations are typically up to 1 1/2 hours
How fast can I expect to see change?
Every infant or child can respond differently to therapy, and this can depend on many factors. Investing in home programming is extremely important to the success of the therapy program and your child’s progress.. Therapy sessions will include direct therapy with your child as well as ongoing education and updating home programming to maximize progress as much as possible. We will regularly track progress toward goals, re-evaluate skills, and implement new treatment strategies as needed.
