Everything You Need to Get Started
At EMpower, we want families to feel informed and supported from the very beginning. Our team provides in-home pediatric physical and occupational therapy in New York, NY, and we understand that starting services often comes with questions. This page outlines the key information families commonly look for before beginning care, including paperwork, insurance details, direct access, and referrals.
Our goal is to keep the process simple and clear so you can focus on your child’s needs rather than logistics. Below, you will find helpful details about each step.
Patient Info and Forms
Before beginning pediatric physical and occupational therapy, families complete a few standard forms. These forms help our therapists understand your child’s medical history, developmental background, current concerns, and daily routines. This information allows us to prepare thoughtfully for your child’s evaluation and ensures that sessions begin with clarity and purpose.
Forms may include intake paperwork, consent forms, and policy acknowledgments. We encourage families to complete paperwork in advance whenever possible so the first session can focus fully on your child. If you have questions while completing forms, our team is available to provide guidance and clarification.
Accurate and detailed information helps us build a personalized care plan from the start. Sharing insights about your child’s strengths, preferences, and routines allows therapy to reflect what matters most to your family.
Forms will be provided via our secure portal once your first appointment is scheduled.
Direct Access
In many cases, families can begin pediatric physical therapy without a physician referral – this is known as direct access. Direct access allows parents to seek support when they notice concerns related to movement, coordination, regulation, or daily function. Direct access can only be continued for 10 visits or 30 days from evaluation, whichever comes first. After this time period, a physician referral is legally required to continue therapy.
Direct access helps families take timely steps when questions arise, without unnecessary delays. During your initial evaluation, our therapists will assess your child’s needs and determine the appropriate course of care. If collaboration with a pediatrician or specialist becomes helpful, we will communicate clearly and support that coordination.
It is important to note that some insurers and diagnoses require a physician referral. Additionally, we always recommend that families remain in communication with their child’s primary care provider. Our team values collaboration and works to ensure that therapy supports your child’s broader care plan when applicable.
Insurance Info
Understanding insurance coverage can feel complicated, and we aim to make the process straightforward. EMpower provides in-home pediatric physical and occupational therapy and operates as an out-of-network provider. We accept payment up front and provide superbills after each session. On average, our patients with commercial insurance, receive 60-80% reimbursement after their deductible has been met. Our team can guide families through understanding reimbursement options and documentation needs.
Clear communication about financial expectations helps families plan comfortably. If you have questions about billing or payment options, our administrative team is available to help you understand your options before services begin.
Refer A Friend
Families often hear about EMpower through word of mouth. If you know a family who may benefit from in-home pediatric physical and occupational therapy, we welcome referrals. Sharing your experience can help other parents find support that feels thoughtful and personalized.
When referring a friend, you can encourage them to visit our website or contact us directly to learn more. We approach each family with the same care, listening closely to their concerns and explaining next steps clearly. Every child’s needs are unique, and we begin each relationship with an individualized evaluation.
We are grateful for the trust families place in us. Referrals allow us to continue supporting children and families throughout New York, NY with compassionate, personalized pediatric therapy.
Questions About Getting Started
Beginning pediatric physical and occupational therapy often comes with practical questions about paperwork, insurance, or scheduling. Our team at EMpower is available to provide clear answers and guide you through each step so you feel confident moving forward. If you would like support understanding the process or are ready to begin in-home services in New York, NY, you can contact EMpower to talk through what the next steps may look like for your family.
Questions About Getting Started
Beginning pediatric physical and occupational therapy often comes with practical questions about paperwork, insurance, or scheduling. Our team at EMpower is available to provide clear answers and guide you through each step so you feel confident moving forward. If you would like support understanding the process or are ready to begin in-home services in New York, NY, you can contact EMpower to talk through what the next steps may look like for your family.