FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1 How can I get these services?
A1 There are a couple of ways to get services initiated:
1. Inform your doctor that you would like to receive Occupational Therapy services. Ask your doctor to please write a prescription for OT and have it faxed to 330.319.8545
2. Call Laura Ward, our referral coordinator, at 330.801.4308 and tell her you are interested in receiving services. Be prepared to give Laura your doctor's name and telephone number, and information about your insurance coverage.
Q2 Doesn't Medicare require a person to be homebound in order for therapists to provide therapy in the home?
A2 That is TRUE for Medicare Part A; only people who are homebound may receive therapy under Part A from home health care agencies.
Medicare Part B coverage has special guidelines that permit us to provide "out-patient" therapy in a clinic OR in the client's home. We are credentialed as Occupational Therapists in Private Practice (OTPP) under Medicare rules and therefore are able to provide therapy in the home to people who are NOT homebound.
Q3 Do I need a Doctor's order?
A3 Technically, it depends on who is paying for the services. Occupational Therapists have direct access according to the laws in the State of Ohio. If you are paying for services yourself, no doctor's order is needed.
Under Part B guidelines, Medicare requires a physician to SIGN the PLAN OF CARE in order for therapy to be covered. Therefore, we ask that you ask your doctor if he or she will support an Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention Plan. It is not required, but it is helpful for our records if your doctor will fax over a written prescription for "OT Evaluation and Treat" to our office at 330-319-8545.
We will contact your doctor to obtain background medical information, if necessary. We will then set up an appointment with you. After the evaluation is completed, we will send the report, with an intervention plan, to your doctor for his or her signature. It IS required that a medical doctor or optometrist sign the plan of care.
Q4 Is this something new? Why haven't I heard about this before?
A4 Medicare has permitted this health care delivery approach for many years, however, we are the first group of private practice Occupational Therapists to offer this type of service in the Akron area. Most people do NOT know that Part B covers therapy services in their homes.
Q5 I was told that Occupational Therapy cannot be provided unless Nursing or Physical Therapy is also ordered. Is this true?
A5. Only in part....
It is true for Part A Home Health Benefits; OT is not considered a "qualifying service" in home health care. Either Nursing or Physical Therapy must open a case; once OT is "in" a case,however, the OT is permitted to STAY in (and stand alone) after PT and Nursing exit.
Good News! Under Part B, you may receive Occupational Therapy as a "stand alone" benefit. To clarify: No. You do NOT have to receive nursing or physical therapy in order for us to provide OT in the home under Part B coverage.
