Navigating Therapy Options: You Deserve a Choice
When you're referred for rehabilitation—whether to an occupational therapist (OT), physical therapist (PT), or speech-language pathologist (SLP)—it's common to be sent directly into a hospital-affiliated network. While these clinics can certainly offer solid care, many patients are not aware that there are outstanding private-practice clinicians who operate outside these systems who deserve your consideration.
Insurance Networks & Referral Pathways
Many hospital systems have internal therapy departments contracted with or owned by their affiliated clinics. Physicians working inside such systems often send patients directly to these departments—sometimes for convenience, other times due to organizational incentives or automatic referral pathways. While this is a common practice, it doesn’t always guarantee the best fit for every patient.
But here’s the thing: regulations and ethical considerations require providers to offer their patients who need rehab services a choice, provided these options meet your clinical needs. Actual laws and regulations can vary by state and by specific insurance policies, but they often include:
● The right to a second opinion or an alternate provider, whether or not there are wait times or access issues.
● The freedom to refuse to use in-system therapy, provided the therapist you choose is appropriately certified or credentialed.
● Protections under laws and ethical guidelines that guard against anti-competitive practices where systems might limit access to outside services without justification.
For instance, if the hospital-based OT schedule has a two-week waitlist, guidelines entitle you to ask for, and the system to authorize, an order for evaluation and treatment with a qualified outside clinician—especially (but not limited to) when timely care is essential.
The Power and Value of Private-Practice Clinicians
Here’s the bottom line: private-practice therapists—whether OT, PT, or SLP—bring an invaluable wealth of experience, creativity, and flexibility that you don’t always encounter in hospital-affiliated and franchised clinics.
After 28 years in this field, I’ve crafted a unique skill set that thrives in an environment not bound by hospital protocols.
In my private practice, therapists can:
● Tailor treatment plans without the constraints of institutional guidelines. We do follow strict protocols outlined by our ordering providers when indicated. IE: rotator cuff repair protocol, hip replacement protocol.
● Innovate your therapy sessions with techniques reflected in the latest scientific research, personalized pacing, and creative interventions tailored to your specific interests, needs, and the goals we set together.
● Schedule more flexibly—so you aren’t slotting into rigid appointment windows or battling institutional red tape.
● Work together as a team to deliver excellent quality care.
So, if you're looking to build a relationship with a therapy partner who can respond to your specific needs, I’m here to help you navigate your health and wellness–mind, body, and soul! You can depend on me to be your therapist through all your therapy needs without having to tell your story again and again each time you need services.
You Have the Right to Choose. Let’s Make It Count.
Don’t let automatic referrals funnel you into one option. Let your provider know you’d like to choose a therapist outside of the system and request a written order. He or she may also fax an order directly to our office.
You do have a choice. And when you choose me as your private-practice therapist, you will gain a more personalized, nuanced approach that combines my unique skillset that I’ve curated over nearly three decades of practice and continuing education to develop expertise that focuses solely on helping you thrive.
If you're looking for that kind of thoughtful, client-centered care, I’m here—and excited to support you in doing therapy differently.