Occupational therapy is critical for patients with certain medical conditions to gain or maintain the ability to perform everyday activities and allows SEARHC patients to develop skills that allow day-to-day independence.
For an adult, those skills include:
- Areas of self-care
- Taking care of one’s home
- Leisure activities
- Work functions
- Cognitive retraining to ensure safety and learn decision-making and safety skills for managing medications
Pediatric therapies help patients in the areas of:
- Play
- Hand washing
- Drawing
- Using scissors
- Sensory integration
- Gross and fine motor coordination
Those interested in occupational therapy should meet with their primary care provider and obtain a referral before making an appointment.
Referrals to Occupational Therapy
Your need for a referral depends on what type of health plan/coverage you have.
- Medicaid coverage – ALL services require a referral from a primary care provider
- VA/Tricare – ALL services require a referral from a primary care provider
- Private insurance – Your need for a referral is determined by your health plan and your Primary Care Provider
In summary, patients may self-refer to physical or occupational therapy if they have private insurance or Medicare, however, each insurance plan is different, with some requiring a referral before receiving treatment. If you’re not sure, contact your insurance provider for clarification. This will help prevent unexpected costs. Learn more about Referral Services.