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Harbin Therapy Solutions
Do You Need a Referral for Occupational Therapy?

Do You Need a Referral for Occupational Therapy?

Trevor C. Harbin, OTR/L, CHT
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Referrals, made simple

If you’re recovering from surgery, there’s a good chance your surgeon has already recommended occupational or hand therapy — and may have sent a referral our way. That’s the most common path to our door, and we’re glad to coordinate directly with your care team so nothing falls through the cracks.

When a referral matters

A referral can matter for two reasons:

  • Your care plan. For post-surgical recovery, your surgeon’s protocol guides your therapy. A referral helps us follow it precisely and stay in step with their plan.
  • Your insurance. Some plans require a referral or physician’s order for therapy to be covered. The requirement depends on your specific plan — not a single rule that applies to everyone.

Not sure where you stand? We’ll find out for you.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to untangle any of this on your own. When you reach out, we’ll:

  1. Check what your specific insurance plan requires
  2. Coordinate with your surgeon or physician’s office if a referral is needed
  3. Tell you exactly what to bring and what to expect — in plain language

What to bring if you already have one

If your surgeon gave you a referral, prescription, or post-operative protocol, bring it (or have their office send it over). It helps us tailor your very first session to exactly where you are in your recovery.

The paperwork should never be the hard part of healing. Call us, and we’ll handle the details so you can focus on getting better.