My child's teacher/pediatrician told me that my child might benefit from occupational therapy (O.T.).  What is it?

Occupational Therapists who specialize in pediatrics are trained to create opportunities for children to master developmental tasks and achieve independence in their home, school, and community.  A few reasons for referral for evaluation and treatment include clumsiness, difficulty with grasp or motor skills and difficulty playing or socializing effectively.

Direct service or consultation may be provided by your school's therapist if your child's difficulties directly interfere with education.

Private occupational therapists, often covered by insurance companies, focus on a greater variety of intensive treatment interventions.

How do I know if my child needs O.T.?

A referral to Occupational Therapy (O.T.) is appropriate any time there is an identified difficulty, deficit or concern regarding a child's development. Similar to a physical therapist, a pediatric occupational therapist works to enable development when it is happening more slowly than typical or work to rehabilitate after an injury.

A child's future success is directly related to what they are doing today. Establishing age appropriate skills and independence will help your child maximize development in years to come.

If you have concerns or questions, contact me or your child's physician.

Click here (developmental page) to view a timeline to estimate where your child is developmentally. Fine motor skills have been charted according to chronological age. Consider these ages as estimates as all children develop at different rates within a normal range of a few months.

Why has my doctor ordered occupational therapy or physical therapy services?

A request for a therapy evaluation has been recommended by your physician or other health care professional to determine if therapy services could assist your child in improving independence or abilities.  Occupational therapy make it possible for infants, children and adolescents with injuries, physical challenges and/or developmental challenges to live their lives to their fullest potential.

Why do I need a physician's prescription (i.e., written and signed prescription) for therapy services?

My private practice policy requires a written physician's prescription to initiate and create ongoing therapy services.  A prescription assures that your child's primary care physician or specialty care physician is aware of and coordinating all medical services for your child.  Additionally, the state of Illinois requires a written prescription from a licensed physician for occupational therapy services.  Although various professionals may recommend therapy services for your child, a written physician's prescription must be obtained prior to  scheduling an appointment for treatment with your child.  This prescription can be on the physician's letterhead or prescription form and can be mailed, faxed, or brought with you on your initial assessment date.

Do I need an insurance referral?

Some insurance plans require an insurance referral from the primary care physician or referring physician.  This prerequisite helps ensure the physician is coordinating all medical services for your child and that you are using the plan effectively.  Your insurance plan will determine the referral process; which physician is responsible for initiating the referral; and whether the referral is provided via telephone, fax or mail.  Typically, this referral is required for insurance purposes only.  Some employer insurance plans require a copy of the physician's prescription (sometimes called a "referral") before approval of therapy coverage and reimbursement.  It is important to contact your insurance company to determine whether your plan requires an insurance referral or copy of the physician's prescription.

How do I obtain a physician's prescription for therapy services?

If you believe that your child may benefit from therapy and your child's physician has not initiated a request for therapy, call your child's physician and request a prescription for therapy services.  Should ongoing occupational therapy services be warranted, the reason for referral (diagnosis) must be written on the prescription for billing purposes.  Once we have a prescription we can proceed with scheduling your child for an appointment.

What are the steps I need to take to schedule an evaluation?

Call my office to schedule an evaluation appointment at 630.424.9100.  It is important to have a physician’s prescription for an occupational evaluation or evaluation and treatment prior to your appointment.

What can I expect from an evaluation?

A skilled assessment addressing the stated concerns (i.e. caregiver and physician concerns) will be performed. The assessment lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes parent interview, standardized tests, and clinical observations.  At the conclusion of the evaluation, you will be provided a brief verbal report of the results of the assessment and recommendations.  If therapy is recommended, you will be given instructions regarding scheduling treatment appointments.  A written evaluation report will be provided to you and sent to your child's referring physician within two weeks from the evaluation date.

Do I need to be present for my child's therapy session?

It is important that the parent or legal guardian be present for the initial therapy evaluation (i.e. first therapy session).  This is necessary so that you can give consent for your child to be treated.  It is also important for the therapist to speak with you regarding your concerns and goals for your child.  For future therapy appointments, it is highly recommended that the child's primary caregiver be present during each therapy session.  An important goal of therapy is to provide you with education and methods you can use at home to maximize your child's benefit from therapy.

Can I bring other children to my child's therapy session?

In most cases you will benefit more from the therapy session (i.e. patient education and home instructions) if you are not distracted by the responsibility of supervising your other children.  However, when necessary you may bring other children to the therapy session.  They must be under your direct supervision at all times.  A small waiting area is provided when needed.  Please plan to bring something to occupy your child's time, as they cannot play on therapy equipment due to safety concerns.

How long will my child's therapy program last?

Frequency and duration of occupational therapy services should be discussed early with your therapist.  During the initial assessment and treatment sessions you and the therapist should be planning for eventual discharge. The purpose of therapy is to help children achieve their maximum potential and to become as independent as possible in normal daily activities.

How do I pay for therapy services?

Occupational therapy services are generally covered under most insurance policies.  It is your responsibility to understand how your therapy services are paid.  Determination of how services will be paid should be resolved before bringing your child to therapy.  If you are unsure about your insurance coverage, contact your carrier to determine therapy coverage and information required by your insurance to file claims.