Results that make a difference...

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information:
How do I determine if services are appropriate?

Once you have contacted South Shore Therapies, we will arrange for one of our clinicians to contact you and discuss your concerns. Based on that conversation we can determine the appropriate evaluations, consultation or treatment that can address these issues. If services are required, we can schedule the date and times of services in accordance with your daily schedule.

Will my insurance cover services?

South Shore Therapies is a provider within the Blue Cross network. We are an “Out of Network” provider of services for all other insurance plans.  In order to receive benefits through these other insurance plans you must have “Out of Network” benefits.  We recommend you contact member services (the number is usually on your insurance card) and ask them if you have Out of Network benefits for Speech and Language and/or Occupational Therapy. They should be able to give you information as to your deductible and co-pay. Do not get into details with member services about the diagnosis or type of treatment and always request the name of the person that you spoke to as well as written confirmation if possible.

What is the insurance process?

The first step in the insurance process is for South Shore Therapies to contact your insurance company and determine the specifics of your coverage.  Once this is completed we will contact you with the specific information and confirm your deductible and co-pay.  The next step is to get a referral from your physician for services if this is necessary with your insurance plan.

How do I get a referral?

Generally referrals are generated by your primary care physician (PCP).The physician typically will begin by requesting an evaluation to determine if intervention is appropriate.  Insurance companies require an Internal Classification Code (ICD) to pay for services.  These codes differ based on your child’s concerns. 

What other information should I provide to South Shore Therapies?

We will ask you to fill out a comprehensive Developmental History to provide us with additional information on your child’s development and current functioning.  We may also ask you to have the school complete a Sensory and Motor checklist so we can gather information about the child in the school environment.  In addition to this any Neuropsychological, Educational, Speech and Language, Occupational, or Physical Therapy evaluations that have been completed will assist us in developing a more complete clinical picture.  If your child is on an IEP at school, this information can be helpful as well.

How does therapy at SST differ from the service my child can get in school? 

Services provided by the public school system are based on the child’s ability to function within the academic environment and therefore must be considered “academically relevant”.  The interpretation of this definition varies between school systems, but in general means that support services, including speech or occupational therapy, will be provided if they are relevant to the child’s successful academic development.  Occupational therapy within the schools most commonly addresses fine motor skill development and handwriting which are relevant to classroom performance.  Speech therapy focuses on curriculum based language intervention.  At South Shore Therapies therapeutic programs will be developed based on the needs of the child within their many environments and different roles.  We will work to develop relevant goals to address difficulties the child is having in successful participation in all environments and tasks of daily life.

How can I help support my child’s progress at home? 

Intervention at South Shore Therapies is an ongoing, changing plan that encompasses the goal directed work during therapy sessions and ongoing parent and client education.  Your ability to effectively support your child’s progress at home will come from understanding the underlying foundations that are impacting behavior and skill development, as well as incorporating home program strategies into your families’ daily activities.  Additional knowledge can be gained by attending our evening overviews or reading resources on our book list.  In addition, your SST therapist will provide you with home programs and activities relevant to your child’s specific goals.