Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my doctor ordered occupational therapy or physical therapy services?
Your child's physician has requested a therapy evaluation to determine if therapy services could improve your child's abilities. Occupational therapy and physical 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 choose Cincinnati Children's?
At Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, occupational and physical therapists specialize in the child's unique physiology and social and emotional needs.
All of the therapists and assistants hold the appropriate associate's, bachelor's or master's degrees or equivalent certificates from accredited university programs. Cincinnati Children's also has national and state licensure and certification. Staff keep abreast of changes in the field by attending training courses in specialty areas each year.
Cincinnati Children's is committed to providing the highest quality therapy services to infants, children and adolescents and to meeting or exceeding the needs and expectations of those served.
Why do I need a physician's prescription (i.e., written and signed prescription) for therapy services?
Our policy requires a written physician's prescription to initiate therapy services. This assures that the child's primary care physician or specialty care physician is aware of and coordinating all medical services for your child. In addition, the state of Ohio requires a written prescription from a licensed physician for the provision of physical therapy services. Although another professional may recommend therapy services for your child, we must have a written physician's prescription before we can schedule an appointment for your child. This prescription can be on the physician's letterhead or prescription form.
How do I obtain a physician's prescription for therapy services?
If your child's physician has not initiated a request for therapy and you believe that your child may benefit from therapy, call your child's physician and request a prescription for therapy services. Prescriptions can be faxed to 513-636-7975. Once we have a prescription we can proceed with scheduling your child for an evaluation appointment.
Do I need an insurance referral?
Several insurance plans require an insurance referral from the primary care physician or referring physician. This requirement helps ensure the physician is coordinating all medical services for your child and that you are using the plan effectively. The insurance plan determines the referral process; which physician is responsible for initiating the referral; and whether the referral is submitted via telephone, fax or mail. Typically, this referral is required for insurance purposes only. There are some employer insurance plans that require a copy of the physician's prescription (sometimes called a "referral") before approval of therapy coverage and reimbursement. Please call your insurance company to determine whether your plan requires an insurance referral or copy of the physician's prescription.
How do I pay for therapy services?
Occupational therapy and physical 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. The department is staffed with several full-time financial service representatives to assist with the insurance process. Please refer to and/or request a copy of the document titled "The Wise Consumer."
"The Wise Consumer"
You can download a copy of "The Wise Consumer" (120k) in portable document format (.pdf).
Reproduced from The Wise Consumer: Understanding Insurance Coverage, PT Magazine, 1999, vol 7 no 10 with the permission of the American Physical Therapy Association. This material is copyrighted, and any further distribution is prohibited.
You must have Adobe Acrobat" Reader installed on your computer to read this file. You can download Adobe Acrobat" Reader at Adobe's Web site by selecting the version appropriate for your type of computer.
What are the steps I need to take to schedule an evaluation?
Once we receive a physician's prescription for your child, we will call you to schedule an evaluation appointment. If you prefer to call us, please call 513-636-4651.
What can I expect from an evaluation?
The therapist will perform a skilled assessment addressing the stated concerns (i.e. caregiver and physician concerns). At the conclusion of the evaluation, the therapist will give you 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 sent to your child's referring physician.
Do I need to be present for my child's therapy session?
The parent or legal quardian must be present for the initial therapy evaluation (i.e.first therapy session). This is required so that you can give consent for your child to be treated. In addition, it is important for the therapist to speak with you to discuss your concerns and goals for your child. For future therapy appointments, it is 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. When necessary, independent and reliable teenagers can attend their therapy sessions without their legal guardian present.
Where are therapy services available?
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has multiple locations around the Tristate to better serve your needs. However, therapy services are in high demand and appointment times are often limited at certain locations. Your flexibility in accepting an available appointment and service location will allow us to serve your child more promptly. Therefore, the more flexible you are regarding location and appointment times, the sooner your child can receive the necessary services.
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. Please plan to bring something to occupy your child's time, as they cannot play on therapy equipment due to safety concerns.
Will the therapist who evaluates my child be the same one who treats my child?
This is dependent upon your availability for scheduling, your location preference and the therapist's available time. The treating therapist and the evaluating therapist may or may not be the same person.
How long will my child's therapy program last?
The frequency and duration of therapy services should be discussed early with your therapist. From the very beginning of therapy 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.
