Getting Started
New Patient Intake
We are excited to welcome your family to East Coast Therapies! Before we can schedule your child’s occupational therapy evaluation, we must receive the following four items.
Required Intake Documents
Please carefully read through this page, which includes all the documentation and steps required for your child to start occupational therapy with East Coast Therapies.
YOU WILL DOWNLOAD EACH OF THE DOCUMENTS, FILL THEM OUT, AND RETURN COMPLETED TO: eastcoasttherapies.mgmt@gmail.com
Complete Intake Form
This form provides basic information about your child, medical and developmental history, current concerns, contact information, medical providers, and insurance coverage.
Signed Consent Form
This form gives East Coast Therapies permission to evaluate and provide occupational therapy services to your child. It also explains relevant privacy, communication, billing, and information-sharing practices.
Signed Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is essential for meaningful progress. Your child’s appointment time is reserved specifically for your family, and regular participation allows the therapist to build upon skills from one session to the next.
East Coast Therapies takes attendance seriously. Families are expected to attend scheduled appointments, communicate promptly regarding illnesses or emergencies, and follow the cancellation procedures described in the policy. Repeated cancellations, missed appointments, or difficulty maintaining a consistent schedule may result in discharge so that the appointment time can be offered to another child awaiting services.
Please read the complete attendance policy carefully before signing.
Prescription for Occupational Therapy
We must receive a current prescription signed by an authorized medical provider, such as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
Please ask the provider to write:
“Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Treatment”
A relevant diagnosis must be listed as well.
You may submit a copy of the completed prescription with your intake documents.
What Happens Next?
Process Overview
STEP ONE: Submit the required documents
Please provide East Coast Therapies with:
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Completed intake form
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Signed consent form
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Signed attendance policy
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Prescription for occupational therapy evaluation and treatment
We will review the documents and contact you if anything is missing or additional information is needed.
STEP TWO: Schedule the Evaluation
Once all required documents have been received and confirmed, your child will be eligible for scheduling. The therapist will work with your family to arrange the earliest available evaluation appointment based on family and therapist availability.
STEP THREE: Evaluation, Plan of Care, & Prior Authorization
Following the evaluation, please allow up to one week for the therapist to complete your child’s evaluation report and individualized plan of care, including recommended goals and treatment frequency.
When required, East Coast Therapies will also submit a request to your insurance provider for authorization of treatment visits or units. Treatment scheduling may depend on receiving this authorization.
STEP FOUR: Begin Treatment
Once the necessary clinical and insurance requirements have been completed, the therapist will contact you to establish a treatment schedule.
Treatment frequency is based on your child’s individual needs and the therapist’s clinical recommendations.
Common frequencies include:
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Twice per week
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Once per week
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Every other week
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Once per month
Additional Step for BabyNet Families
If your child participates in BabyNet, a Change Review meeting must be completed before treatment can begin. This is a type of IFSP meeting during which the occupational therapist reviews the evaluation findings, recommended goals, and treatment plan with the family and the child’s Early Interventionist or Case Manager.
Following the meeting, occupational therapy and the appropriate provider must be formally added to your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan. The therapist cannot begin providing treatment until this process is complete.
Families who are not enrolled in BabyNet may skip this step.
We Are Here to Help
We understand that referrals, insurance requirements, authorizations, and BabyNet procedures can sometimes feel confusing. Please contact East Coast Therapies if you need assistance completing any step or would like additional explanation. We are happy to help your family move through the process and begin services as smoothly as possible.