Please find common questions that we receive from our patients and prospective patients below. If your question(s) is not on this page, feel free to contact us via phone or email!
- Do I need a physician’s referral for occupational therapy?
- Will my insurance pay for therapy?
- Will I see the same occupational therapist every time?
- Will you keep in contact with my doctor?
- What is the difference between a Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
- When should I start seeing improvement?
- How long will I need occupational therapy?
- How long does each visit take?
- What should I wear?
- What should I bring with me to my consultation/first appointment?
- Who uses Occupational or Rehabilitative Therapy?
Do I need a physician’s referral for occupational therapy?
Most insurance companies will require that you get a physician’s referral for occupational therapy, which you need to bring on your first appointment. Medicare requires the patient to be seen every 30 days by their physician to continue with therapy.
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Will my insurance pay for therapy?
Generally, most insurance companies pay for occupational therapy. Some companies only offer limited coverage or do not cover occupational therapy. We recommend that you call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your insurance benefits before you start therapy.
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Will I see the same occupational therapist every time?
We will make every attempt to schedule you with the therapist you desire to see. However, there may be times when another occupational therapist will treat you to accommodate your schedule. All of our occupational therapists are fully-licensed and enjoy delivering high-quality care.
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Will you keep in contact with my doctor?
After your initial evaluation we will send a copy of the examination to your doctor, along with progress notes at regular intervals.
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What is the difference between a Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
Physical Therapy (PT) works in restoring function of the legs, back, neck, and torso along with the shoulder region. PT treatment also helps patients with rehabilitation after accidents and surgery along with wound care.
Occupational Therapy (OT) primarily enables people to participate in the activities of everyday life. They use careful analysis of physical, environmental, social, mental, and other factors to identify barriers to occupation. An OT therapist is involved in both cognitive and physical training to assist patients with everyday living. PT and OT both work to help patients with their needs for both physical rehabilitation and general everyday life activities.
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When should I start seeing improvement?
Again, that depends on the same factors associated with how long treatment will take. We make a treatment plan specifically for you, which includes follow up and regular maintenance visits to our occupational rehabilitation clinic.
If at any point you feel you are not progressing at a satisfactory rate, we will collaborate with you and modify your treatment plan. We will always keep you and your physician informed about your progress.
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How long will I need occupational therapy?
Your occupational therapist will help you reach your desired level of functionality, depending on your injury/ailment and progress. Further therapy will not be necessary once this level is reached. Therapy will also be monitored by your physician.
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How long does each visit take?
The initial visit takes a little longer than the subsequent visits due to the paperwork that you will need to fill out, in addition to the completion of the assessment process. Normally, appointments are usually between 30 and 60 minutes.
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What should I wear?
We highly recommend you bring comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing or athletic wear to our occupational therapy clinic, to accommodate stretches and/or exercises. Your clothes should also allow us to evaluate your area of injury, so please dress accordingly. As for footwear, we suggest comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to your first appointment.
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What should I bring with me to my consultation/first appointment?
Please bring any records from your previous doctor, a list of your medications, allergies and a list of prior doctors. We also recommend bringing in a list of any questions or concerns you may have.
Please make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you can fill out the necessary paperwork and insurance information. To save time, you can also print the New Patient Forms located on our forms page, and bring them completed to your appointment.
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Who uses Occupational or Rehabilitative Therapy?
Individuals in need of restoring injured body parts, increasing flexibility, or building strength benefit most from Occupational Therapy. We also help improve posture, which if left uncorrected can cause damaging musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, we help patients who have undergone surgeries and who are in need of therapy to regain optimal occupational functionality.
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