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Home Health Occupational Therapy

If you are eligible for home health and have an illness, injury or condition that makes it difficult to do everyday activities, Amedisys home health occupational therapy (OT) may help. Losing the ability to do things that used to be easy, such as putting on shoes, holding a pencil or making a meal can be a frustrating part of aging or rehabilitation. Occupational therapy for adults may help you regain a sense of independence, safety, choice and control in the comfort of home.

WHAT IS HOME HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people do the things they need and want to do, so they can recover or live independently for as long as possible. 

Through specialized activities and adaptive tools, you’ll learn to more easily complete household tasks and personal care like bathing and grooming. You may also learn ways to make your home safer or cope with loss of function due to illness or injury. The home health occupational therapist will provide education and advocate for your needs.

Occupational therapists are trained professionals who help people learn self-care skills, overcome physical challenges, and manage emotional and social issues. At Amedisys, they have specialized knowledge and education, including completion of an approved occupational therapy program with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy assistants have completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Both OTs and OTAs are licensed by the state as well as the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY VS. PHYSICAL THERAPY

What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy ? While both can be provided as part of home health care , they serve different purposes and are coordinated to meet the patient’s needs. Occupational therapy at home works on strategies with the patient to safely perform needed daily activities or “occupations.” Physical therapy helps improve patients’ strength, balance and mobility by treating the physical source of the patient’s issue.

For example, if someone is recovering after hip replacement, the physical therapist works to restore mobility in the hip and leg. The occupational therapist may teach the patient to wash dishes while sitting on a stool or use a reacher or shoehorn to minimize bending over. Doctors often order both physical therapy and occupational therapy because they work together to help the patient stay safe at home while they recover or manage an illness.

Is home health care right for your loved one?

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY GOALS

Our occupational therapists take a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. This means we tailor the care plan to fit your needs and current level of function. In addition, you are an important part of the treatment team, and your needs and home health OT goals help mold your treatment plan. Here are a few examples of occupational therapy goals for adults:

• Ability to meaningfully participate in daily activities
• Recover from illness or injury, if possible
• Maintain or improve skills over time
• Improved quality of life
• Increased independence

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES

In-home occupational therapy for adults can include a wide range of services. At Amedisys, each patient receives a different treatment plan based on their needs and doctor’s orders. Some examples of occupational therapy services include:

• Occupational therapy evaluations to understand your needs, abilities and goals and create a treatment plan
• Home evaluations to assess fall risk and make recommendations to improve safety
• Recommendations for adaptive equipment, such as shower chairs, grab bars and reachers , and training on how to use it for activities of daily living
• Strategies to enhance your ability to adhere to your medication regimen
• Education for family members/caregivers about disease management
• Therapeutic exercise and activity to improve specific skills needed to complete activities of daily living
• Coordination activities to improve self-feeding, grooming and dressing skills
• Energy conservation techniques and/or joint protection in home activities
• Strategies for managing stress, anxiety, poor vision and other issues
• Practical suggestions for leisure activities, social interaction, meal planning and different ways to complete tasks
• Identify ways to compensate for deficits such as low vision or decreased fine motor skills or coordination (for example, teaching new ways to manipulate pills and containers)

CAN I RECEIVE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT HOME?

Patients must meet home health eligibility criteria for Medicare to cover occupational therapy services. These include:

• A need for skilled care, such as nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy or an ongoing need for occupational therapy; and
• Being under the care of a physician who has created a home health plan of care; and
• Not being able to leave home without assistance (for example, from another person or a device like a walker or wheelchair) or having a condition that makes leaving home medically unsafe.

Do you qualify for home health? Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to qualify for home health.

Read The Article

EXAMPLES OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ACTIVITIES BY DIAGNOSIS

Occupational therapy at home can help people with a variety of health conditions. Your healthcare team will help put together a plan that meets your individualized needs. Some examples of occupational therapy activities for adults, by diagnosis, include:

A diabetes diagnosis requires changes in various daily routines. Occupational therapy can help you set up healthy routines for blood sugar monitoring, exercising, meal planning and foot care. It can also train you on strategies to compensate for vision, sensory or motor loss that might make daily activities difficult.

With occupational therapy, patients with heart failure may learn strategies to conserve energy, such as reducing demands of activities and stress management to avoid exacerbations. The OT therapist may also suggest ways to engage in appropriate physical activity. Occupational therapists also offer guidance on incorporating new routines into your day such as weighing yourself, eating a modified diet and monitoring your symptoms.

Our occupational therapy practitioners can introduce strategies to conserve energy and self-monitor COPD symptoms to prevent exacerbations. They may also provide tips for stress management and pacing yourself with activities.

Stroke can impact many aspects of a person’s daily life. Patients want to get back to doing the tasks they were able to do before the stroke and maintain the highest level of functioning possible. Examples of occupational therapy activities for adults with stroke include:

• Retraining in self-care skills like feeding yourself
• Addressing deficits like sensory loss, weakness or cognitive impairments
• Modifying tasks or the home environment to maximize independence

Fractures, amputations, and other strains and injuries can make daily tasks difficult. Our occupational therapists help identify modifications you can make to achieve your home health OT goals and provide training on prosthetics or other adaptive devices.

Through occupational therapy at home activities, you can learn how to manage pain and complete tasks without straining your joints.

Occupational therapy at home can help with depression in older adults, as well as anxiety and other mental health disorders. Practitioners may focus on specific activities and self-awareness skills to manage mental health symptoms. You’ll learn how to structure your daily schedule and break down tasks into manageable pieces so you can do the activities that are important to you.

Dementia impacts communication, memory, self-care and other abilities. Amedisys occupational therapists can offer tips for improving home safety, simplifying tasks and providing sensory stimulation. Patients work one-on-one with home health occupational therapists to improve memory strategies. They may also recommend setting up the environment to make tasks easier for the patient. Loved ones and caregivers can get tips on supporting patients with cognitive limitations in ways that reduce agitation and confusion.

Combined with other home health services , occupational therapy can help patients with wound care management, including burns and other types of wounds to manage pain and re-learn how to do tasks.

Amedisys occupational therapists help patients prepare for, and get the support they need after, a knee, shoulder or hip replacement. During recovery and rehab, patients often need help getting in and out of the shower, going up and down stairs, getting dressed, and doing other daily tasks at home. Occupational therapy helps ensure you have the equipment you need to return home and recommend techniques for doing daily tasks.

People with MS may have difficulty dressing, bathing and doing other activities and get easily fatigued. In occupational therapy, you may work on simplifying activities so you require less energy and using adaptive equipment or devices to complete tasks.

Occupational therapy for adults with cerebral palsy often focuses on increasing motor functioning, processing sensory input and lessening limitations.

Occupational therapists can help people with Parkinson’s disease optimize their stability to prevent falls and safely transfer to the commode and in and out of the shower/bath. They also offer strategies for safely completing activities of daily living and managing fatigue.

*The above are examples only, and care plans may differ between patients with the same diagnosis.

IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?

Many people ask, “Why do I need occupational therapy?” Here are a few signs you may need occupational therapy services, along with common reasons for a doctor’s order:

• You’re struggling with self-care activities like bathing, dressing and grooming.
• You’re having difficulty balancing, such as leaning to one side, holding onto furniture or the wall to walk around, or taking an unusually long time to do tasks like taking off your coat
• You have weak grip strength, which makes it difficult to hold onto objects.
• You’re losing the ability to do hobbies you enjoy.
• You’ve been missing doctor’s appointments or mixing up medications.
• You’re having motor problems such as poor coordination, or difficulty writing or tying shoes.
• You’re having sensory input issues, such as overreacting to touch or sound or being unaware of sensation such as feeling the temperature of water or difficulty finding items in a pocket or purse.
• You’re finding it difficult to solve problems, pay attention or stay organized.

Home health occupational therapy with Amedisys helps with these and other changes, so you can continue to live independently at home for as long as possible.

99% of Amedisys home health care centers are rated 4+ Quality Stars.

BENEFITS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR THE ELDERLY

In many ways, the home is an ideal place to receive OT therapy. Home-based occupational therapists can see how you live firsthand, which helps them identify challenges you face every day. In the home setting, the therapist can get to know your needs and goals, see how your living space is set up, and make personalized recommendations. Another benefit is that family members and caregivers can be involved in treatment and learn strategies to help.

The biggest benefit is in home occupational therapy with Amedisys helps patients stay safer at home. Here are some other benefits of occupational therapy for the elderly:

Most people want to stay home and continue doing everyday tasks. But with age and certain medical conditions, basic tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming and preparing meals can become more difficult. In home occupational therapy can help people do the daily activities that enable them to stay independent. Occupational therapy at home activities can improve physical, sensory, cognitive and social function, allowing some patients to recover and get back to doing what they love.

Our occupational therapists can assess your home, including the layout and high-risk places like stairs, floors and bathtubs, and make recommendations for ways to make it safer. Examples of common home modifications include removing fall risks, rearranging walkways through the house, and making recommendations for installing equipment like handrails, grab bars, slip resistant flooring and medical alert systems.

Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions that are treated with multiple medications. About one-third of older adults take five or more prescription medications. Taking more medications increases the risk of an error or negative interaction.

Amedisys occupational therapists can help patients adhere to their care plan by assisting with medication management. For example, a therapist may work with you to organize a pillbox or color-code medications to minimize the risk of medication mistakes.

Our goal is to change the way you do tasks to make you more comfortable and effective. For example, a patient with joint pain may practice range of motion exercises, learn how to move differently, and receive training on adapting activities and using safe body mechanics to be more comfortable.

The risk for eye diseases and vision impairment increases after age 40 and can make it difficult for seniors to live independently and maintain a good quality of life. Our OT therapists can teach you exercises aimed at improving your vision.

If vision can’t be restored, occupational therapists can teach you skills to manage vision loss. They may also recommend home modifications to help minimize the risk of falls and injuries, such as removing clutter, adding lighting, color-coding objects and placing bright tape on steps or important buttons.

Occupational therapy practitioners provide care for a wide range of cognitive issues, from normal forgetfulness that comes with aging to dementia. We can help you sharpen your cognition through participating in familiar daily activities. In later stages of memory loss, we focus on improving quality of life. Occupational therapy services include education and support for caregivers to help them cope with personality changes and memory loss and avoid confusing the patient.

Falls affect one in four Americans age 65+ each year, sometimes with serious health consequences. OT therapy can help reduce fall risk by teaching patients how to make their environment safer and addressing vision, balance, safety and other issues, while staying as active as possible.

Occupational therapy has psychosocial benefits as well. New diagnoses and loss of abilities can lead to depression, anxiety and loneliness. One of the occupational therapy goals is to help patients find the motivation and confidence in their skills to push through self-doubt and grief.

Seniors may become depressed, anxious or lonely when they can’t do the things they need and want to do. Patients can open up to their home health team about challenges and concerns. Amedisys occupational therapists can help older adults manage functional limitations and focus on what they can do.

Caregiving is a difficult job with emotional, physical and financial demands. Occupational therapists not only help patients, but also their caregivers. They can teach healthy coping strategies, educate caregivers on their loved one’s condition and needs, and teach them how to help their loved one continue to make progress after home health OT ends.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY HOME VISITS

The first OT therapy visit is typically an assessment. It often takes longer than the following visits. During an occupational therapy evaluation, the therapist may review your:

• Medical history and medications
• Concerns and goals
• Ability to complete self-care tasks and light home management activities
• Cognitive abilities, such as your understanding of your condition and ability to problem-solve
• Sensory abilities, such as vision and hearing
• Physical abilities, such as balance and ability to move around safely
• Eating and sleeping patterns
• Routine for managing your medications
• Home environment for fall risks like poor lighting or loose rugs

The occupational therapy evaluation sets the foundation for your personalized care plan. Next, the therapist, in collaboration with your doctor, plans activities and strategies to help you achieve your goals and sets up a schedule for future visits. As treatment proceeds, your therapist monitors your progress.

After the first visit, the occupational therapist comes to your home to provide education and support and work on activities that will help you achieve your goals. They may take your vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature and heart rate. The OT will also watch for health improvements or declines, so the rest of the clinical team is aware of any changing needs. They adjust your care plan as needed to help you meet your goals. The frequency and length of visits depend on your needs and doctor’s orders.

One of the first questions you’ll hear from an Amedisys occupational therapy practitioner is, “What matters to you?” Your description of the things you want to be able to do helps mold your care plan.

Examples of home health OT goals include:

• Maintain or regain independence through daily living skills such as bathing, dressing and grooming
• Regain skills and abilities that were lost due to an injury, illness or surgery, or adapt to changes in abilities
• Prevent further loss of abilities
• Reduce the risk of injury
• Help guard against medication mistakes
• Keep you safer at home, where you feel most comfortable
• Improve your self-confidence
• Encourage communication and social interaction
• Reduce stress

DOES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WORK?

Research shows that OT therapy can greatly improve your quality of life. Results often depend on the patient and caregiver’s openness to learning new ways of doing daily tasks. In home occupational therapy is often well-liked by patients because it helps them stay home. It is also effective because practitioners can tailor care to patients’ needs and home environment, watch to see how they are progressing, and adjust the care plan based on what they see.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational therapy services can be life-changing for patients who need help getting back to their daily routines or learning new ways of doing basic tasks. As a specialized field, many people aren’t familiar with this type of care. Here, we’ll set the facts straight around some common misconceptions about occupational therapy:

1. Occupational Therapy is the Same as Physical Therapy

Patients can receive both at the same time, depending on their needs, and they work well together. However, OT and PT are separate therapies that serve different purposes. So, what is the difference between OT and PT? Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients do daily tasks like eating, showering and dressing. Physical therapy helps improve the patient’s ability to move and builds strength, balance and range of motion.

2. Occupational Therapists Help People Get Jobs

The word “occupation” is used to describe what we want and need to do each day. In home health, this does not involve getting a job. You can think about it as what “occupies” our time, the activities we need to do to take care of ourselves and what we enjoy doing. OTs can help make meaningful activities safer and easier. Examples include grooming, dressing, bathing, medication management and making simple meals.

3. Most Occupational Therapists Work in Hospitals

OT practitioners can work in hospitals as well as a variety of other settings including schools, community centers, outpatient therapy and in-home occupational therapy.

4. Occupational Therapists Are Similar to Home Health Aides

Home health aides provide hands-on help with tasks like bathing and dressing. In contrast, occupational therapists are skilled professionals who offer tools and strategies to help patients manage their own self-care tasks. OTs do not complete the activity for the patient. Rather, they train the patient on techniques to become more independent with the task on their own. OTs also help with a wide variety of other issues including social, mental, cognitive and physical challenges.

HOW MUCH DOES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COST?

Home-based occupational therapy is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and some private insurance plans for eligible patients.

For patients paying out-of-pocket, occupational therapy costs depend on various factors, including where the patient lives, where they receive OT visits and the type of care they need.

HOW TO GET STARTED

At Amedisys, we provide home health occupational therapy for adults, along with other home health services, in various locations nationwide. We employ hundreds of occupational therapists who help empower patients to do daily activities with greater ease and safety. 

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• Occupational therapy: 3 reasons to have a home visit
• Jamestown Regional Medical Center
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Feel happy, mobile and safe after a home visit from an occupational therapist.  Occupational therapy (OT) helps an individual to recover or maintain daily living and work skills. For instance, individuals may include those with a physical, mental, visual or cognitive disorder.

JRMC occupational therapists help patients focus on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities. In addition, they work with patients to reach their goals in order to function as independently as possible.

“Occupational therapy is an exciting and rewarding career,” said JRMC Occupational Therapist, Leann Ripplinger . “Being able to see the impact that our home visits can make for each patient and their families is amazing. And, it is a great way to carry out JRMC’s mission to exceed expectations and be the difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Most importantly, this form of therapy focuses on adapting environments, modifying tasks and teaching skills. Additionally, it includes educating the patient or family to increase the participation and performance of daily activities.

JRMC occupational therapists offer home visits. As a result, these home visits help patients develop a personalized treatment approach for their conditions. And, Medicare covers the cost of one home visit per year.

The following are reasons to schedule a home visit.

• Unsafe environment. Occupational therapy provides recommendations and education. In short, this is to help elders age in place, accommodating for changing abilities, declines in mobility, balance and function.

Things that were once easy and safe are not always that way later in life. As a result, occupational therapists help individuals adapt their homes. Adaptations can include modifications for furniture, assistive devices and durable medical equipment, for instance.

• Needed adaptations. JRMC occupational therapists provide recommendations for individuals with impaired cognitive skills, low vision and balance deficits.

Therefore, these recommendations can also help family members supporting loved ones in a home or apartment setting.

• Peace of mind. Loved ones sometimes stress over family members who may not have the best living conditions or ability to move around in their environment. Therefore, a home visit from occupational therapy can help improve those conditions and increase peace of mind.

Lastly, JRMC occupational therapists work through daily activities and goals with their patients to ensure modification needs are met.

Medicare will pay to have an occupational therapist provide a home visit for a patient. As a result, during the home visit, the occupational therapist ensures the home is safe.  They offer options regarding what the patient can do to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

In conclusion, if you or a loved one is having difficulty with everyday activities in their home or community, talk with a physician about a referral for occupational therapy . Schedule an direct: (701) 952-4800.

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The Power of Occupational Therapy in Home Modifications

I am currently a Level 2 student at Howard University , pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy is a health profession focused on helping individuals participate in meaningful activities, or occupations, that are important to them. This spring semester, I had the privilege of completing a fellowship at Rebuilding Together Petaluma , a non-profit organization dedicated to repairing homes and making accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners. I not only experienced personal growth but also professional development, which I can apply to my future career as an occupational therapist.

During my time as a fellow at Rebuilding Together, us fellows were responsible for facilitating meetings, conducting research and taking notes during our weekly sessions. Additionally, I was tasked with completing assignments such as an asset map and a case study. This experience will be highly beneficial to me as an occupational therapist in the future as it has sharpened my organizational skills, research abilities and ability to effectively document and analyze information, all of which are essential aspects of the occupational therapy profession.

During my site visit, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by visiting a client's home alongside my affiliate. I witnessed how they assess and implement modifications tailored to a client's needs. This experience was incredibly beneficial to me as it allowed me to apply what I've learned in my program and contribute to making the project more client-centered. These modifications ensure that the client has accessibility, safety, comfort and independence in their home. As a future occupational therapist, some of my goals for clients are to promote clients' quality of life, foster independence and prevent injuries.

I am incredibly thankful for the Rebuilding Together Petaluma team, who not only shared a wealth of knowledge during my visit but also made the experience enjoyable. Building professional relationships with them was invaluable, and I look forward to putting this experience into practice once I complete my occupational therapy program.

Rebuilding Together's Howard University Fellowship program was made possible through a Rural Capacity Building grant from the  Department of Housing and Urban Development  (HUD). We are thankful for HUD's commitment to affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas.

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Our team of rehab experts provides comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Outpatient therapy is a highly effective way to help you recover from injuries or live well with a chronic illness.

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Typically, your outpatient therapy program will begin with an assessment of your needs. You will then receive an individualized treatment plan with a schedule of regular appointments with the rehab professional who best fits your needs and goals.

Therapy services are covered by most insurance plans. Receiving physical therapy at one of our conveniently located Rehab Centers is simple. With Direct Access, you don't need a referral. You can start without the expense and inconvenience of another physician’s appointment and referral.

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Other providers in moscow, id, what is occupational therapy.

Disabilities, injuries, or illness can sometimes present obstacles to participation in daily activities. Occupational therapists help their patients adapt and improve useful skills, so that they can succeed at living the life they want.

Typically, occupational therapists address problem areas using a three-pronged approach, to see where adaptations or therapy might be needed. First, they look at the task the patient is attempting. Second, they look at the patient's ability to perform that task. Finally, they look at the environment in which the task is being performed. Any one or all three of those areas may need adjusting to make the task more manageable.

Occupational therapists work with patients of all ages, from babies to senior citizens. They also address all kinds of illness, injury, and disability. Because the scope of their practice is so broad, the therapies they use are widely different for every patient. Some of the therapies they might use include:

• Advising a company on how to make an office wheelchair-accessible
• Setting goals for rehabilitation
• Creating exercise or treatment plans to increase strength or range of motion
• Contacting support services within the patient's community
• Creating adaptations for the home, school, or workplace
• Identifying coping strategies for pain or stress
• Educating families about a diagnosis

Engaging in the routine activities of daily life, especially social activities, is extremely important for our well being. Not being able to do the things you want to do or interact with loved ones can even take a toll on your physical health. Occupational therapists are a significant part of the medical team. They help you not only to stay well, but also to lead a productive life full of the things that are important to you.

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Pre-Health Professions

Pre-Health Professions Program

Vandal Success Center Idaho Student Union Building, 3rd floor

875 Perimeter Drive MS 2436 Moscow, ID 83844-2436

Phone: 208-885-5809

Email: [email protected]

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help people of all ages to fully engage in their daily lives, from their work and recreation to activities of daily living. There are several specialties, such as training workers to use the correct ergonomics, helping people with low vision maintain their independence, making buildings and homes more accessible, evaluating and training older drivers, helping accident victims regain needed skills, offer assistance to people with mental illness, and promoting health and wellness.

Many practitioners may also choose to help children thrive in the “occupations” of childhood, which include learning, playing and growing. Additional work environments include schools with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral problems and nursing homes or private homes for older people.

(source: Explore Health Careers - Occupational Therapist )

• Join the Pre-Health Professions Program and request to be added to the  Pre-OT Email List
• Meet with the Pre-Health Professions Advisor each semester to make a professional and academic development plan and review your progress
• Choose a degree major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about occupational therapy; common majors include  Exercise Science ,  Biology , and Psychology , but all majors will be considered if a student completes the prerequisite courses and other admissions standards established by individual OT programs
• Carefully check admission requirements  at OT schools of most interest and take the required coursework; common prerequisites courses include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, chemistry, biology, statistics, abnormal and developmental psychology, and sociology/anthropology among others. Here is  suggested U of I coursework  for students interested in Occupational Therapy.

Co-Curriculars

• Join the Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy/Athletic Training Organization (POTATO) at U of I.
• Get OT shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a  Professional Development Activities Log ; be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools
• Develop strong relationships with faculty, OT professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
• Get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities
• Attend Pre-Health Professions Program workshops and networking  events

Applying to Occupational Therapy School

Depending on OT school requirements and participation, the application process may consist of taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and then applying through  Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) .

Carefully check the application requirements and process at each school by reviewing the  Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Program Directory .

Other Helpful Links

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Program Directory
• AOTA Assembly of Student Delegates
• Center for Volunteerism & Social Action
• Volunteering Guide for Healthcare Students
• Education Abroad Program
• Lending Library pdf
• Professional Development Activities Log docx
• Self Assessment and Planning Worksheet docx
• U of I Course Catalog
• U of I Research Opportunities
• U of I Scholarships
• Virtual Pre-Health Shadowing

Physical Therapy

Duke Health physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are dedicated to excellence in the science and art of human movement and rehabilitation. We work with people recovering from injuries, deconditioning, disease, and developmental disorders to optimize functional mobility and quality of life. Our goals are to promote health and wellness, prevent complications, and reduce pain. We customize a treatment plan to help you reach your specific functional goals. 

Physical Therapy Services

Physical therapy for orthopaedic conditions.

• Aquatic Therapy
• Back Pain Treatment
• Golf Injury Treatment
• Joint Health Program
• Limb Loss Services
• Neck Pain Treatment
• Orthopaedic Care
• Performing Arts Health Program
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Physical Therapy for Neurological Conditions

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Huntington's Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Parkinson's Disease

Physical Therapy for Medical Conditions

• Comprehensive Pain Management
• Heart Disease Prevention
• Physical Therapy for Cancer Patients
• Physical Therapy for Vestibular Disorders
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Additional Services

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
• Physical Therapy for Gender-Affirming Care
• Wheelchair and Seating Evaluation

Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

Why Choose Duke 

Board-Certified Physical Therapists Many of our physical therapists attained and maintain board certification, which demonstrates our advanced knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Comprehensive Evaluations Your comprehensive evaluation begins with a discussion about your personal health goals. This helps us set benchmarks to measure progress and create a customized rehabilitation plan.  

Customized Treatment Plans Your plan of care is tailored to your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. 

A Team Approach We work closely with others on your treatment team, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others. This ensures your care is comprehensive and that you experience a better outcome. 

We Practice Excellence We teach in local physical therapy educational programs, teach students in clinical settings, and participate in clinical research studies. We regularly attend continuing education courses to make sure we are providing the most up-to-date evidence-based care. 

Commitment to Helping Others Our therapists are involved in many community service projects and support groups for patients and their caregivers. We also participate in state and national PT organizations to improve patient access and services and serve as leaders in the profession.  

Advanced Training and Equipment Our therapists and clinics are equipped with the tools needed to help achieve your goals. For example, your care may benefit from biofeedback units, electrical stimulation systems, video goggles for balance disorders , blood flow restriction units, and overhead harness systems for advanced gait and balance training.

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2023–2024.

Physical therapy services

When your doctor or other health care provider (including a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant) certifies you need it, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy. 

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount .

There's no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient therapy services in one calendar year.

Find out cost

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

• Other insurance you may have
• How much your doctor charges
• If your doctor accepts assignment
• The type of facility
• Where you get your test, item, or service

Frequency of services

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

Physical Therapy helps to restore or improve physical movement in your body after an injury, illness, or surgery. You can also get this therapy to help improve or maintain your current function, or slow decline.

Things to know

There’s no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient physical therapy services in one calendar year.

Related resources

• Occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology services

Is my test, item, or service covered?

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What career opportunities are there in hospitals.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

Do you aspire to work in a hospital, or are you simply curious about what hospital occupations exist? While you may have some understanding that there are many more career opportunities in hospitals beyond just being a doctor, what are some of these opportunities specifically?

There is an assortment of different jobs that exist in hospitals from medical technologists and medical record clerks to dieticians and nurses.

Continue reading as we explore the different career opportunities, the typical education requirements for each, and the 2023 median pay for these roles so you can start make an informed decision about whether any of these jobs that may be found in hospitals are for you.

11 different career opportunities that exist in hospitals

Here’s a list of different hospital jobs you may want to consider during your career research. As you explore the roles below, it’s important to note that not all hospitals will offer these jobs. These roles may also be available outside of hospital settings.

1. Physicians

2023 median pay: $239,200 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: A bachelor’s degree, medical degree, internship, residency, and fellowship (in some cases).

Physicians are doctors focused on patient care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook , they help treat injuries and illnesses and educate patients on maintaining their health. If you choose to become a physician, you can expect your day-to-day life to include taking patients’ medical histories, prescribing medications, and communicating the findings of diagnostic tests.

2. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians

2023 median pay: $60,780 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: Either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Some states may also require workers to be licensed.

Another type of professional you may find working in hospitals, among other settings, is a clinical laboratory technologist or technician. These individuals conduct laboratory tests for discovering and treating diseases. They also work to analyze the results and report their findings.

3. Dietitians

2023 median pay: $69,680 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: A bachelor's degree and, in some cases, a master's degree. Supervised internship experience and licenses (depending on the state) may also be required.

If nutrition and the human diet interest you, you may consider working towards becoming a dietitian. Dieticians working in a hospital setting may assess patients’ nutritional needs, develop personalized meal plans, and provide dietary counseling to support recovery and to manage chronic illnesses. They may also educate patients on healthy eating habits and support their special dietary requirements.

4. Registered nurses

2023 median pay: $86,070 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. A license may also be required.

If you’re particularly curious about hospital jobs that allow you to work directly with patients, you may consider becoming a registered nurse (RN). RNs often play a very active role in treating patients and have a range of responsibilities, from observing patients and recording notes to administering medicine and treatment to patients.

5. Occupational therapists

2023 median pay: $96,370 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: A master’s degree in occupational therapy and a license.

Does the idea of helping someone get back on their feet after an injury or illness sound rewarding to you? If so, one job you may find in a hospital that you may find appealing is that of occupational therapist. An occupational therapist will get to know a client’s medical history in-depth and implement a treatment plan to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This may include therapeutic exercises, activities, and adaptive techniques to enhance a patient’s fine motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function.  

6. Diagnostic medical sonographer

2023 median pay: $80,850 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: An associate degree or post-secondary certificate.

Diagnostic medical sonographers are skilled in running special medical equipment to help create images or tests. They may also review test results or imaging to look for abnormalities and report their findings to physicians.

7. Health information technologists

2023 median pay: $62,990 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree, and, in some cases, a specialized certificate.

If you enjoy working with data, you may consider a career as a health information technologist working in a hospital. These professionals gather data and generate reports, often relating to patients. They also may work to ensure a hospital’s data is secure and patients’ privacy is protected, among other responsibilities.

8. Social workers

2023 median pay: $58,380 per year

Typical education requirements: A bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, a master’s degree. In some cases, a state license is also required.

Have you ever wondered what a social worker does in a hospital? Social workers in hospitals can have a range of responsibilities, including assessing a patient’s emotional and social needs (factoring in things like emotional well-being, family dynamics, and social support). They may also provide counseling and support, coordinate care, and connect patients to resources. They may also help patients adjust to new changes in their lives, like a diagnosis.

9. Physician assistants

2023 median pay: $130,020 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: A bachelor’s degree and also a master’s degree from an accredited program, as well as a state license.

Physician assistants will examine patients and diagnose injuries and illnesses under a physician's supervision. They, like doctors, can prescribe medication if they’re licensed to do so in the state they’re working.

10. Pharmacists

2023 median pay: $136,030 per year

Typical education requirements: A doctoral or professional degree and a state license.

If you’ve ever had to pick up medicine from a pharmacy, chances are you’ve interacted with a pharmacist. These professionals can also work in hospital settings where they may fill prescriptions based on doctors’ prescriptions and may also administer vaccinations. Their other responsibilities may include advising patients on proper medicine use and working with insurance companies to fix billing dilemmas related to prescriptions.

11. Physical therapists

2023 median pay: $99,710 per year

Job outlook: Expected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032

Typical education requirements: A doctoral or professional degree and, in some cases, a license.

Another type of professional who works in hospitals is a physical therapist. These professionals help injured or sick patients improve their mobility. They guide patients through exercises and hands-on therapy, among other techniques, to help them manage their pain and normalize their movements on a day-to-day basis.

Final thoughts

If you aren’t sure if a career in a hospital is right for you, consider reaching out to a professional you can shadow. By talking to those already in the field and getting a glimpse into their day-to-day life, you may get a better idea of whether a specific career will suit your interests before taking the steps to pursue it .

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Per Diem / PRN Home Health Occupational Therapist - $69 per per visit