| FAQ
How long does an evaluation take?
We set aside two hours of a therapist’s time for an evaluation, although the evaluation may not take that long. It will depend on your child’s ability to participate, diagnosis, testing required, etc.
What if my child has been evaluated at another facility but I want to bring my child to Milestones for therapy?
If your child’s evaluation occurred within the last three months and was not given through the school district, we will accept the evaluation only if there is a plan of care (goals) attached. You may fax us a copy of the evaluation and plan of care and our therapists will review it to determine if it is a plan of care they can work from. We will contact you to discuss scheduling options if it is determined that the report and plan of care are acceptable. We will not promise or hold any appointments during this review time. Scheduling will only be discussed after our therapists have had an opportunity to review the documentation. If our therapist(s) determine that there is not enough information given in the report and plan of care, we will contact you to schedule a new evaluation. Unfortunately we cannot accept an evaluation from your child’s school due to the differences between a clinical evaluation and an educational evaluation.
How long is a typical therapy session?
Occupational and Physical therapy sessions are scheduled on the half hour and are approximately 55 minutes in length. Feeding and Speech sessions are in 30 minute units. The last few minutes of the session will be used to discuss your child’s therapy session and review any home activities the therapist recommends. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your child further, please email or call the therapist. If you feel you need a significant amount of time to talk to your child’s therapist, you may schedule a consult appointment with your therapist. The charge for this appointment is $40.00/30 minutes. This fee is due from you at the time of the appointment and will not be billed to insurance. This appointment is also subject to our cancellation policy.
Can I be present during the therapy sessions?
Yes, however, if your child consistently refers to you for assistance or has difficulty participating, the therapist may ask you to wait in the waiting room. Milestones also has an observation room where you may view your child’s therapy session through a one-way mirror. Please make arrangements to use the observation room in advance by scheduling through the front office.
Can I be present for the evaluation?
You will be required to initially accompany your child to the therapy area so the evaluating therapist may discuss your concerns and your child’s history information. There are occasions when a child does not perform well with a parent present. If this occurs the therapist may ask you to wait in the waiting room for the remainder of the evaluation.
Can I bring my child’s siblings to an evaluation?
It is best to make childcare care arrangements for siblings. The therapist will want to spend time discussing your child’s history with you and may have additional questions. Other children in the room may be a distraction to you, the therapist, and/or your child. Furthermore, we cannot allow children of any age to be left alone in the waiting room nor can we allow other children to play on any equipment in the facility.
Can I leave the facility during my child’s evaluation?
No. You must be present during the evaluation to provide information to the therapist. There are occasions when a child does not perform well with a parent present. If this occurs the therapist may ask you to wait in the waiting room for the remainder of the evaluation. However, you must be present at the facility in the event that your assistance is needed.
Can I leave the facility during my child’s therapy session?
You may leave, but we must have a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and you must return to the clinic at least 15 minutes before the end the hour.
What if I have to cancel my child’s evaluation?
We have reserved two hours of a therapist’s time for your child’s evaluation, therefore we require at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule the evaluation. In the event that you do not show up for your child’s appointment or provide at least 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule the appointment, your credit card on file will be charged the full cost of the evaluation, which is $250.00.
What if I have to cancel a typical therapy appointment?
We require 24 hours notice should you need to cancel your appointment, except in the case of genuine emergencies including in the event your child exhibits a sudden illness. In the event that you do not show up for your child’s appointment and do not have a genuine emergency you will be charged a No Show fee.
What happens if I am late for an appointment?
Your child will receive an abbreviated session unless the therapist determines
the remaining available time is inappropriately short. If it is not, you
will either be rescheduled for a different time or be asked to come back
at your child’s next regularly scheduled appointment. If you know
you are going to be late, please call us as soon as it is feasible. We
reserve the right to charge a Late Fee in the event you child is late
to their appointment.
If services are recommended for my child, how long will (s)he need to receive therapy?
Recommendations for the frequency and duration of therapy services vary and will depend on your child’s skill level and severity of delay or impairment. Other important factors that will impact your child’s progress include consistent attendance, parent participation, daily practice, and carryover of therapy activities at home.
May I drop off my child at the curb or leave them alone in the clinic’s waiting area? Can my child stay in the waiting area alone after their session?
No, for two reasons. You are your child’s guardian and are responsible for their safety. We cannot monitor your child’s activities and ensure their safety outside of the time they are receiving one-on-one care from their therapist. Further, our therapists begin their next session at the top of the hour. In addition, you need to check in at the front desk to handle any financial responsibility for the session and in case there is any issues requiring your attention.
My insurance information has changed. What do I do?
Please notify us immediately if your insurance information changes, including a carrier change, financial terms such as copay or coinsurance, or if identifying information changes such as group number or member identification number. If we have incorrect information and payment for your child’s therapy is denied, your child’s therapy may be interrupted and/or you may be required to self pay until your insurance situation is resolved.
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