The Working Therapist: Providing Helpful Ideas for Pediatric Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy

What makes a toy a Super Toy? In the replay of this podcast originally run in November of 2018, Haden and Kjirsti give their thoughts on what makes a toy a great therapeutic intervention tool. Listen as they share examples of several toys and interventions that hopefully will inspire your therapy in 2020.

Enjoy this replay of a podcast first run before Christmas 2018 where Haden and Kjirsti discuss 5 toys that pediatric therapists can use in speech, physical and occupational therapy. After listening hopefully you will be able to get some inspiration for future therapy sessions.

But wait! A motor therapist can do more than provide therapeutic activities, gait training, neuromuscular re-education, strength, endurance and ROM. There are times when a therapist should provide Manual Therapy (97140), Massage (97124) and Self Care/Home Management Training (97535). Kjirsti and Haden dive deeper into the use and justification for these less frequently used, but still medically necessary, codes when providing motor therapy for children.

Gait training is NOT only ambulation from point A to point B. Getting to point B can include many obstacles along the way. When considering gait training, you have to consider changes in surface, stair mobility, and pre-gait skills required for ambulation. Kjirsti and Haden discuss and define interventions that would best relate to using code 97116.

As therapists we often default to using code 97530, because every intervention consists of an underlying activity of play. Play is the occupation of a child, therefore, interventions are done through engaging in play. It is a natural reaction to code these activities as 97530. However, with a more thorough discussion of why you are doing what you are doing during the session, is that the most appropriate code to bill? In this episode, Kjirsti and Haden discuss and define intervention strategies that would best relate to using code 97530.

At first glance, this photo appears to show therapeutic activities or gait training and balance; however, digging a little deeper and understanding the diagnosis, the therapist is addressing tone inhibition of the left upper extremity to promote arm swing during gait and balance activities. Therefore, it would be most appropriate to code a 97112. To find out more about when to use this code, listen to our podcast....Understanding when to use 97112 in your therapy session

As professionals we work to make therapeutic gains towards fulfilling a Plan of Care. At the same time, we want our pediatric patients to have fun! It's important to be two steps ahead of the child at all times. In today's podcast Haden and Kjirsti begin a coding series where they define the CPT code 97110. They have solid tips for when to use it and they'll help explain how to differentiate this code from other motor codes. The team will give advice on specific intervention strategies to use in your daily practice.

Why is it important for the physical, occupational and speech therapist to understand medical necessity? In today's current health care climate, it is critical for therapists to communicate their role in ameliorating a diagnosis or condition. Today Haden and Kjirsti will walk you through the evaluative process of asking yourself the basic questions to justify and and document the need for skilled intervention.

Why is it important for the physical, occupational and speech therapist to understand medical necessity? In today's current health care climate, it is critical for therapists to communicate their role in ameliorating a diagnosis or condition. Today Haden and Kjirsti will walk you through the evaluative process of asking yourself the basic questions to justify and and document the need for skilled intervention.

Why is it important for the physical, occupational and speech therapist to understand medical necessity? In today's current health care climate, it is critical for therapists to communicate their role in ameliorating a diagnosis or condition. Today Haden and Kjirsti will walk you through the evaluative process of asking yourself the basic questions to justify and and document the need for skilled intervention.