FAQS
frequently asked questions:
What if my child already receives therapy at school? ➜
Great! Just because a child receives therapy at school, that does not mean that he/she cannot receive additional therapy outside of the school setting. In fact, it may be beneficial for the patient to receive both. Think about it: more therapy = more practice = quicker progress.
In addition, the private practice setting has unique benefits that a school setting may not be able to offer. This includes:
One-on-one therapy is provided. This means that the child receives undivided attention from the therapist leading to more practice and repetition.
Children are typically able to be evaluated and treated immediately, pending insurance approval.
During school therapy sessions, your child may miss important academic class time. At our clinic, appointments can be scheduled before or after school, ensuring that no class is missed.
Feedback and progress from the sessions are provided from the therapist immediately after.
Children with all levels of severities (mild to profound) and diagnoses can be seen.
Therapy can be justified based on any need seen in the child, not just an academic concern.
Consistent attendance is necessary for growth and progress. Your child’s appointment is reserved specifically for him/her, and much planning goes into each session. If frequent no-shows and cancellations are made, your child may be removed from the schedule to allow another child an opportunity to receive therapy.
A $25 fee will be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours) or no-showing for an appointment. A “no-show” is defined as an appointment that is cancelled less than 3 hours before the scheduled time OR an appointment that is missed without warning. The patient will be discharged from Therapy Trails if two (2) scheduled appointments are cancelled or missed within 30 days. To avoid this fee or discharge from treatment, please cancel appointments as soon as possible and attempt to reschedule the missed session. Additionally, if you arrive late for a scheduled appointment, the session will still end at the scheduled time or may be cancelled.
What happens if I miss or cancel an appointment? ➜
Patients are responsible for all costs not covered by insurance. In the event that a third-party payer source determines that rendered therapy services are “not covered” or otherwise denied, patient will be responsible for all outstanding charges. If fees are not paid in full, treatment sessions may be postponed or cancelled until payment is received. Payments (including session fees and/or co-pays, if applicable) are due at the time of service. Charges incurred and not paid after 14 days of receiving invoice may be turned over to a collection agency at the client’s expense. Overdue accounts may also be reported to a Credit Bureau. Refunds will be issued only in instances of overpayment.
What is your payment policy? ➜
Every child develops at different rates. However, research shows that the earlier a disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better (and possibly quicker) the outcome. Be sure to check out our list of developmental norms and red flags. If you have specific questions, feel free to call our office to talk directly to a therapist.
Does my child need therapy? ➜
How do I get my child therapy? ➜
Once you have decided that your child may need an evaluation or therapy, call or talk to your child’s pediatrician. Share your concerns, and request a prescription and referral to be sent to Therapy Trails. Once our office receives the referral, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions about the referral process, please contact our office.
What insurances do you accept? ➜
Therapy Trails accepts most major insurances.
Georgia Medicaid
Cigna
Care Source
Tri-Care
Amerigroup
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Will insurance pay for therapy? ➜
Unfortunately, each insurance company and each individual plan is different. It is difficult to say whether or not your insurance will cover some, or all, the costs of therapy. It depends on the insurance plan as well as diagnosis. Please contact your insurance company to verify your benefits.
A discount will be offered to those having to pay out-of-pocket.
What do I need to bring to the evaluation? ➜
Before the initial evaluation, please submit the Child Intake and Case History Form, Health Insurance Verification Form, and Polices.
On your first appointment, please bring the following information and documents:
Child’s Insurance Card
IEP
IFSP
Previous evaluations from other medical professionals
Hearing and vision screening results
How long will my child be in therapy? ➜
Each child has a different diagnosis and severity. Because of this, there is no standard treatment duration. At the initial evaluation, your therapist will decide the frequency (sessions per week) and duration (in months) for your child’s therapy. If you are billing insurance for therapy sessions, treatment duration may depend upon each insurance’s authorization periods. At the end of these authorization periods, a re-evaluation or progress update may be required for insurance to approve more visits.