Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my doctor ordered occupational therapy or physical therapy services?
Your child's physician has requested an 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 or physical and developmental challenges to live their lives to their fullest potential.
Do I need a written and signed referral for therapy services?
We require a written referral by a physician or certified nurse practitioner to begin therapy. This assures that all medical services are coordinated through your child's primary care or specialty care physician. Even if another health professional recommends therapy services for your child, we must have a written referral from your primary or specialty care physician or nurse practitioner before we can schedule an appointment. Referrals can be on a prescription form or on the physician's letterhead.
What can I expect from an evaluation?
The therapist will perform a skilled assessment that addresses your and your physician's concerns. After the assessment, the therapist will talk with you about the results. If therapy is recommended, you will be given instructions about how to schedule appointments. A written evaluation report will be sent to the physician or certified nurse practitioner who prescribed the services.
Do I need to be present for my child's therapy session?
A parent or legal guardian must be present for the initial therapy evaluation so that you can give consent for your child to be treated. In addition, the therapist will speak with you about your concerns and goals for your child.
For future appointments, we strongly recommend that the child's primary caregiver be present during each therapy session, even if your child is a teenager. An important goal of therapy is to provide you with education and methods you can use at home to help your child or teen benefit from therapy.
If absolutely necessary, teens may attend their therapy sessions without their legal guardian present, provided they are responsible young people.
Can I bring other children to my child's therapy session?
You will benefit more from the therapy session if you are not distracted by caring for other children. If you must bring other children to the therapy session, we ask that you supervise them closely at all times. Please bring toys or books to occupy the child, because they cannot play on therapy equipment.
Will the therapist who evaluates my child also treat my child?
This depends on 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 purpose of therapy is to help children become as independent as possible in normal daily activities. Soon after your child starts therapy, your therapist will talk with you about how many therapy sessions your child will need, and for how long therapy will last.
We follow a program known as Models of Therapy to help decide how often and for how long therapy services are needed. Your therapist will provide you with a brochure to help explain this approach, and will work with you to develop the best plan of care for your child.
Where can my child receive therapy services? 
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has multiple locations around the Tristate to better serve your needs.
What times are therapy sessions offered?
Therapy services are in high demand and appointment times are limited. The more flexible you can be regarding location and appointment times, the sooner your child can receive services.
How do I pay for therapy services?
It is your responsibility to determine how services will be paid for before your child starts therapy sessions. Occupational therapy and physical therapy is generally covered under most insurance policies. At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to pay any co-payment required by your insurance.
If you have questions about insurance coverage or payment for services, we have full-time financial service representatives on staff who can help with your questions.
