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There are three different
types of therapy that families usually need:
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Occupational Therapy
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Physical Therapy
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Speech/Language Therapy
The objectives of Occupational
Therapy are to use self care, play, or work activities to:
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Improve independence
-
Enhance development
and prevent disability
-
Adapt the environment
to maximize independence or quality of life
The objectives of Physical
Therapy are to:
-
Prevent disability
-
Restore function and
prevent pain
-
Promote healing
-
Adapt (work around)
to a disability
The objectives of Speech/Language
Therapy are to:
-
Make speech clearer
-
Promote the ability
to use language to communicate
-
Improve oral/motor movements
for speaking and/or feeding
How
Do Families Get Therapy in North Dakota?
Step One:
A family must obtain a referral for speech/language therapy from a
physician or an agency. Without the referral, medical assistance
or health insurance agencies will not pay for the service and a speech
therapist, clinic or hospital will not provide it to the child.
Step Two:
Contact an appropriate service agency (infant development program,
hospital, speech and language clinic, Head Start program) and request therapy
as recommended by the physician. It should be noted that these same settings
often provide an evaluation which can be shared with the physician to obtain
the referral.
Step Three:
Therapy should be provided in a variety of natural settings so that
the techniques are used throughout the child's day. These can include at
home, at day care or in a play group and sometimes in clinic settings.
Step Four:
The clinician or agency may bill medical assistance for reimbursement
if the family qualifies for that service. If a team determines that a minimal
amount of therapy is needed (either through an infant development program
or a school) then the service will be provided at no cost to the family.
If additional therapy is requested, the family must pay the remaining cost
and will be billed by the clinic or a private clinician.
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