Frequently Asked Questions
Physical therapy works on a child’s gross motor skills. These skills include rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping, and balance activities. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, handwriting, activities of daily living such as dressing and feeding, visual perception problems and sensory processing disorders.
Pediatric therapists take the activity the child has difficulties with and cut it down into small tasks to work on. They work on these tasks in a fun and playful manner; the children do not even know that they are “working”. As the child achieves these tasks the activities get more challenging until the child has achieved the skill. They are then ready to progress to the next developmental skill.
Yes, insurance will pay for physical and occupational therapy as long as it is medically necessary. We do all of the insurance billing for you and accept payment from the insurance company. We also deal with all of the procedures your insurance company has regarding authorizations for therapy and reimbursements.
At school, the therapists need to work on goals that will help the child achieve academic success. If the child does not show significant delays or their delays do not affect academic performance, they may not be eligible for services. Private therapy fills this gap and provides for services that are necessary for your child’s development.
Private therapy is also available to you even if your child does receive therapy at school. Many times, the frequency of therapy they receive at school is just not enough to see significant improvements in their functional skills. You may just want additional therapy to help your child progress at a faster rate.
If you are concerned regarding your child’s development, we recommend that you discuss it with your child’s physician and ask that they refer you for a physical or occupational therapy evaluation. Pediatric physical and occupational therapists are experts in child development. The research is clear, the earlier the therapy begins for your child - the greater the benefits.
Some children receive therapy just for a few months and others for a couple of years. You, the pediatrician and the therapist will discuss your child’s development and plan accordingly.
Initial evaluations are 1 hour. PT and OT sessions are usually 45 minutes. For young babies it may be 30 minutes and for a child with greater delays it may be 60 minutes. The length and frequency of therapy is determined on an individual basis and is discussed with the parent.
We accept cash, check and/or credit cards for your treatment, deductibles and co-pays.
Physical and occupational therapists can evaluate your child without a referral. If services are recommended, we will collaborate with you and your child’s physician to obtain a prescription.