Put Some Fun in Your Child's Recovery Plan

Children who spend a majority of their young lives in a hospital are often robbed of the wonderful memories that childhood can hold for them. Whether your child has a mental or physical condition, he or she might be able regain a sense of normalcy with the help of a caring and dedicated pediatric occupational therapist. These wonderful men and women have a knack for helping your son or daughter advance their skills through a collection of fun games and drills.

Get Your Child the Treatment that They Need at Home

If your young son or daughter has spent a significant portion of his or her young life in a hospital, you understand all too well the negative impact that this can have on their self-esteem and mood. Getting treatment for a chronic pediatric condition in the comfort of  home can be a lifesaver for both the young patient and the parents. The parents will be able to spend quality time with their child in the home, and the siblings of the child will also be able to offer support during treatments.

Pediatric Home Care Services Available in Houston

When your child is born with or develops a medical condition that requires frequent specialized medical attention, pediatric home care services are a viable option. Pediatric home care allows your family to remain a unit and your child to receive treatment in a familiar environment.

How Pediatric Physical Therapy Helps Your Child

If your son or daughter has a physical condition that affects their well-being, you should try to find a pediatric physical therapist that can help your child. Pediatric PTs are highly trained and educated, and they can develop a stretching and strength training routine that can help a child develop the flexibility and motor skills that they need to succeed. PTs work with a child to help them develop the skills that will help them be independent during the later stages of life.

Get Your Child the Needed Help

Pediatric occupational therapists can be a lifesaver for parents who are looking for ways to improve their child's health and comfort. A child that is suffering from a debilitating disease has special needs, and pediatric occupational therapists are part of the care team that can help your son or your daughter get these needs met. The top therapists use games and activities to teach your children the physical motor skills and cognitive skills that they will need to succeed later in life.

After the Diagnosis: Coming to Terms with Apraxia

Speaking seems so natural when everything is working properly, but it's a confusing battle for children struggling with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, otherwise known as CAS. In order to produce words that are easily understood by other people, you must manipulate many parts of the body, including:

Jaw
Lips
Palate
Tongue

Restoring Range of Motion in Pasadena Children

When a child is in good physical health, there shouldn’t be any limitation to a normal range of motion. This means that the child should be able to move the shoulders, elbows and other joints in the body without difficulty. A limitation to the range of motion could warrant physical therapy for safe recovery and the avoidance of further damage.

Possible Causes

The range of motion a joint performs can be affected by different conditions. Certain abnormalities, weakened muscles and swelling could all affect a child’s ability to maintain a full range of motion. Depending on the specific cause, recovery time may vary.

Treatment

The goal of physical therapy is to restore the range of motion. Relieving issues that limit the range of motion is designed to help the child return to normal physical activity. If the child begins physical activity prior to the adequate treatment of this condition, risk for another injury is possible.

A Team Effort

When a child is being treated for an issue with range of motion, it is important the parents and the child understand and follow the recommendations of the physical therapist prescribing treatment. The closer the treatment plan is followed, the shorter the recovery time might be and the sooner normal physical activity may be resumed. Though some limitations may not seem severe to the parent or the patient, the physical therapist will consider the child’s well-being when treating the condition in hopes of achieving the best outcome possible.

Medical Care For Children At Home

When children need special attention due to health concerns, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, pediatric home care is an option that is often better than going to a doctor's office or hospital through the week. A nurse or assistant would come to the home to work with the child. This is a benefit as the child would be able to remain in a comfortable environment while receiving the care that is needed.

Therapeutic Intervention and Pediatric Home Care Nursing Services

Children who need intensive therapy and healthcare often must be referred to providers who specialize in pediatric nursing and medical services. These specialists are trained to properly diagnose pediatric patients and come up with a progressive plan for treatment to help the youngest of patients reach their maximum physical potential. When parents in Katy are told that their children need nursing care or pediatric physical therapy, they are encouraged to choose a facility that employs the specialists and nursing professionals who may help their children adapt to or overcome medical challenges.
http://bit.ly/1YcJvxD

Pediatric Occupational Therapy May Improve Your Child’s Lifestyle

Pediatric physical therapy and occupational therapy may improve your child’s motor development to maximize his or her functioning and independence at home, at school, and in the community. If you live in the Pasadena or Houston area, and your child suffers from an injury, disability, or disease that hinders his or her movement, you may be able to take advantage of the skills of physical therapists at a facility such as MedCare Pediatric Group. Such specialists are trained to address conditions like muscle weakness, poor balance, abnormal tone, orthopedic neurological abnormalities, and lack of coordination. Children of all ages from birth to 21 years may benefit from treatment.
http://bit.ly/1YcJkSX

How Parents May Improve the Pediatric Physical Therapy Experience

Pediatric physical therapy is most often used to help young patients improve their strength, coordination, and more after an illness or an injury or because of a disability. Therapy may lead to a dramatic improvement on your child's health and well-being, but the process may be difficult for kids in a number of ways. As a parent, here are some steps on how to make the process easier and more successful. Set Reasonable Expectations Whether you have recently been told that your child needs pediatric physical therapy or you have already started going to therapy, it is important to get expectations about progress from the therapist. Many children may believe that therapy might make them instantly better, but the progress from therapy often is slow and steady.
http://bit.ly/1H3VkC4

Pediatric Home Care Nursing a Must for Seriously Ill or Injured Kids

Children who have been seriously ill or injured may benefit from specialized therapy as well. For example, pediatric occupational therapy may be needed to help kids improve their cognitive or physical abilities and to develop a greater level of self-esteem when they have experienced a setback because of an illness or injury. Others may require physical therapy to improve motor skills or to overcome physical limitations. In some cases, a therapist may travel to your home upon request, but many therapists provide treatment in their offices in order to have access to a full range of equipment that may benefit the young patient.
http://bit.ly/2083YWp

Pediatric Occupational Therapy May Help Kids Live Full, Happy lives

There is no standard occupational therapy plan, and each child is treated like the unique individual they are. Therapists themselves are keenly aware that every case is incredibly different. As a result, the goals and potential outcomes of any occupational therapy program are suited to the needs of each individual child. Fortunately, you do not have to travel far and wide to find the quality care and therapy your child needs. Pediatric home care, outpatient occupational therapy, and speech therapy providers in Spring and Houston, TX such as MedCare Pediatric Group, LP respond to your child’s developmental needs in familiar and comfortable surroundings.
http://bit.ly/1Xvnl9z

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Offers Specialized Service to Children

For the longest time, while there have been many fine doctors that provided services geared directly to children, those children have often had to rely on generalists when the time came to undergo therapy. The good news for young people nowadays is that the times are changing. Especially for those in the Greater Houston area, there are now providers that provide solid options for occupational therapy. Pediatric occupational therapy in Houston, Pasadena, and many other places provide children with the sort of care that may help them overcome the challenges that are unique to young people.
http://bit.ly/1XvjV6Q

How Pediatric Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Are Different

The term occupational therapy is quite misleading as it seemingly applies to a job. However, pediatric occupational therapy relates to improving a child's skills through various improvements in cognitive, sensory and physical development. The role of a pediatric occupational therapist is to help a child improve certain skills so that he or she may more comfortably complete daily activities. For a child, this may include participating in a typical classroom environment or playing with peers in age-appropriate activities.
http://bit.ly/1OTKctR

Care for Your Child in Your Home

If your son or daughter requires serious medical help but you are tired of him or her spending an inordinate amount of time in the hospital, you may be interested in a pediatric home care nurse and the services that he or she provides. These professionally trained and educated medical staff are able to care for your child and provide them with the assistance that they need. These home-care nurses are able to help new parents deal with the issues that arise when a baby is born pre-maturely or when a baby is born with an illness or disease.

What to Look for in a Pediatric Home Care Provider

If your child has a chronic condition that requires care from a professional, then you may be looking for an in-home option that will help him or her be more comfortable. Pediatric care in the home can boost a child's well-being by getting them out of the hospital and keeping them in a familiar and safe setting. If you are looking for pediatric home care, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

What to Do If Denied Medicaid Coverage for Pediatric Physical Therapy

Access to care, an important topic in the health industry today, relates to the financial and physical ability to receive health services, including pediatric physical therapy or any other therapy your child may need. Providers like MedCare Pediatric Group, LP, which has clinics in Houston, Stafford, and other locations, provide physical accessibility for such services.
http://bit.ly/1hIdVHq

Expert Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Houston Helps Kids Be Kids

Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Houston allows kids to be kids. Some children are born with certain conditions that might give them difficulties in performing simple tasks. What’s truly saddening is that aside from their struggle with their conditions, these youngsters sometimes lose confidence in themselves, thus making it harder for them to socialize with other people. Occupational Therapy can lessen the likelihood of this from happening. During sessions, experts would guide the children and help them think around their conditions in order for them to cope better. Therapies include motor skills, visual perception, sensory processing, hand-eye coordination, and added endurance and strength. Through this, the children are given the chance to greatly improve their self-esteem.
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How Therapists Help a Child in the Healing Process

Pediatric physical therapists play a key role in a child's recovery. Whether a child has been in a serious  accident or suffers from a disease that negatively impacts his or her motor skills, pediatric physical therapists teach children exercises, stretching regimens and strength training that may help them recover and have less pain. Developing and enhancing mobility for a child is essential as they are learning skills at this stage in their development that is the foundation for a life of continued movement. Taking part in activities that involve running, throwing or jumping are key to a child's self-confidence and development.

Katy Pediatric Physical Therapy: Supporting Children with Spina Bifida

Years ago, a Mexican painter made her mark on the global art scene through her artwork that blended the indigenous culture and character of her native Mexico, with European styles like Realism, Surrealism, and Symbolism. What made the feat even more remarkable was that the artist achieved this despite suffering the effects of polio, which she contracted at the age of 6, and a spinal deformity known as spina bifida. That Mexican painter is none other than Frida Kahlo, who didn’t let her disabilities hinder her from becoming one of the most famous artists of the modern era. Like Frida Kahlo, spina bifida shouldn’t stop your child from becoming the best he or she could be. Professional intervention, including pediatric physical therapy in Katy, may help in optimizing your child’s abilities and bringing out his or her full potentials.
http://bit.ly/1MD5qbR

Pasadena Pediatric Physical Therapy: Restoring a Child’s Mobility

Parents want nothing but the best for their children, so they try to provide everything that sparks their kids’ interest, whether it is in music, the arts, or sports. Children can certainly benefit from participating in various sports. Sports provide them exercise, help boost their confidence, and even give them chances for future scholarships. In many cases, however, children’s sports have become more intense, and young athletes often have to face the pressure of high intensity training. This has led to concerns about the increasing risks of developing sports-related injuries.
http://bit.ly/1MD5hVT

Houston Pediatric Physical Therapy: The Importance of Play in Recovery

Play is an important activity in the development of a child as it helps teach and refine their fine motor skills. This is why many experts in pediatric physical therapy in Houston incorporate play in a child’s therapy program. After all, who said that the road to recovery has to be boring? Through play, your child can accelerate his or her development, yet have fun doing it. While pediatric physical therapy in Stafford or Houston providers like MedCare Pediatric Group, LP may help your child improve and maximize his or her physical capabilities, there are things you can do to help supplement these sessions. Parents also have a significant role to play in developing and reinforcing the skills their child learns in therapy.
http://bit.ly/1L1IVhA

Help When Your Child Needs It the Most

Childhood is the time when humans develop many of the traits and skills that they need to properly function during the later stages of life. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills that are associated with their "jobs" as children. From play to social skills, there are many traits that children learn during these formative years. MedCare Pediatric Group has worked with many children over the years, and the therapists may be able to help your son or daughter overcome their limitations that may be caused by cognitive, sensory or physical disabilities.

Houston Pediatric Home Care Can Ensure Your Child Has a Better Life

When your child is suffering from a debilitating illness or disability, it can be difficult to care for them. Improving their lot in life requires a concerted effort and knowhow. For example, if your child suffers from a peanut allergy, a recent development by researchers has determined an effective way to build up resistance against it. A medical patch containing small amounts of peanut protein, known as Viaskin Peanut, is applied to a child’s skin and has been found to successfully raise the test subject’s resistance by 10 times the dose found in the patch. Information like this can be hard to keep up with, especially if you’re not well-connected to the healthcare community. That is why you’ll want a healthcare professional from Houston pediatric home care services like MedCare Pediatric Group, LP to assist you.
http://bit.ly/1L1Iioj

Full-Time Parent Caregivers Need Support

As a full-time caregiver for a sick, injured, or otherwise fragile child, your attention rightfully focuses on your little one at all times. The things that they are unable to do independently are attached to your to-do list. This leaves little room on the list for your personal items or other children in the home.

Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy at Home

Physical therapy may prove beneficial for any child who exhibits limitations in or the inability to perform age-appropriate motor skills. In some instances, a referral for therapy may follow an injury, surgery, or other medical condition, such as cerebral palsy, scoliosis, spina bifida, and cancer. You may also seek pediatric physical therapy if you believe that your child isn't meeting normal milestones or you'd like to establish weight management and/or injury prevention skills for your child.

Scheduling Pediatric Home Care Nursing Services for Your New Baby

If your baby has spent time in the NICU or PICU, you may be overwhelmed with emotion when you are told that your baby can come home. Feelings of happiness and relief may be mixed with stress and fear. Many babies who receive specialized care in the hospital, however, must continue to receive some care at home for a period of days or weeks after being discharged. While some parents may feel as though they can handle providing this care to their infant or baby, others may feel stressed out or anxious over the prospect of it. Home health services are available for infants and babies, and these services can help you to better care for your little one.
http://bit.ly/1K3aEtf

Why Funds for Pediatric Physical Therapy in Texas Shouldn’t Be Reduced

Raising children with disabilities and special needs is never easy, for it often takes a toll on a family’s financial situation. This is why many parents turn to Medicaid funds under the Affordable Care Act for help in providing the needed care for their children.These families are now facing a big threat as Texas lawmakers have just recently passed a bill cutting over $350 million in state Medicaid funding for physical, occupational, and speech therapies, to be spread over the next two years, or up to the year 2017. These recent cuts could make it difficult for many families in Texas to afford pediatric physical therapy and other therapies their children need.
http://bit.ly/1K3abYd

Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Importance of Crossing the Midline

When you take your child to a pediatric therapy clinic like Medcare Pediatric Group in Pasadena, Houston, or other areas, you may hear your child's therapist talk about crossing the midline, but you may not know what this means or why it is important to your child's physical abilities. Crossing the midline essentially refers to being able to use one arm or leg to cross an imaginary line drawn down the center of the body, separating the left and right sides. This may sound simple enough, but it is challenging for many children, particularly those that may be experiencing developmental delays. The ability to do this can have a major impact on your child's life in a number of ways, and many therapists will work with children to accomplish this milestone.
http://bit.ly/1NmN7dZ

How Therapy May Make a Big Difference in Writing

Many children enter pediatric occupational therapy to improve their ability in accomplishing writing assignments in school. Among the things that the therapy may help them with is holding writing instruments properly, applying the correct amount of pressure on writing instruments, forming letters correctly, and properly judging spacing and placement on paper. These are collectively referred to as graphomotor skills.

How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Helps a Child

Many people believe that occupational therapy is just for adults. After all, kids do not have occupations, so why in the world would they need occupational therapy? That is far from the truth, though. Pediatric occupational therapy has many benefits, especially for a child who is in the early stages of learning and movement.

Speech and Pediatric Occupational Therapy Help Kids with Cleft Palate

Pediatric therapies are vital supplements to corrective oral procedures for children born with cleft palate. If your child has this condition, pediatric therapies can help him develop the skills necessary for healthier functioning, thereby promoting his well-being and helping him achieve his full potentials. Pediatric Speech Therapy One of the obvious concerns about clefting is speech impediment. Monitoring and addressing any speech difficulty are crucial during the child’s early years, particularly once he reaches school age. A speech therapist’s goal is to help your child understand spoken words, use words to express his thoughts and feelings, and process conversations. Such a professional may also address difficulties such as stuttering, inappropriate articulation of words, forming conversational sentences, and limited vocabulary.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/speech-and-pediatric-occupational-therapy-help-kids-with-cleft-palate/

Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Helping Your Kid Cope with Goldenhar

Goldenhar Syndrome is a congenital defect that occurs in one of 3,000-5,000 births across all races. Characterized by craniofacial and vertebral deformities, Goldenhar may require surgery depending on severity. If your child has this condition, you have to take certain measures to make him as comfortable as possible, and help him reach his full potential. Providing the child with different forms of pediatric therapies can do so much in making developmental challenges more manageable. Generally, Goldenhar does not affect cognition, although in a few cases, it can result in mild mental retardation. An estimated 13% of those affected have cognitive deficits and learning disabilities. In general, since the child’s intelligence level is likely to be normal, learning impediments are mainly attributed to impaired vision and hearing due to eye and ear malformation. As such, your child may require hearing aids and glasses.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/pediatric-occupational-therapy-helping-your-kid-cope-with-goldenhar/

Pediatric Physical Therapy Company to Send Staff on Medical Mission

Renowned Houston pediatric physical therapy company MedCare Pediatric Group is proud to announce that it will be sending five of its brilliant therapists on a medical mission with the Christ United Methodist Church. This year’s mission group will be going to Escuela Ensenanza Especial Marta Saborio in Alajuela, Costa Rica to provide relief to children via food, Bible studies, sports, and some construction. MedCare’s own team of skilled therapists specializing in different practice areas will assist by giving the youth of the school, especially those with complex needs, some much deserved medical attention from the 18th to the 26th of July 2015. MedCare has always been dedicated to aiding children with special needs. The organization’s goal is to enhance the lives, improve the health, and develop the functional abilities of children, even those who are in the hard-to-reach corners of the world.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/pediatric-physical-therapy-company-to-send-staff-on-medical-mission/

MedCare Offers Pediatric Home Care Nursing for Complex Medical Needs

Medcare Pediatric Group, a renowned provider of pediatric therapy and nursing services in the Greater Houston area including, Katy, Stafford, Spring, Northshore and Pasadena, offers pediatric home care nursing services for children with complex medical needs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, complex nursing patients experience frequent and lengthy hospitalizations. Discharging children with such needs, especially those who have technology dependencies, might be a complicated matter that requires ongoing healthcare at home to minimize the need to visit a hospital. MedCare aims to help children with complex nursing needs by providing long-term or short-term services for children aged birth to 21 years old. The service is primarily available to children within the Greater Houston area.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/medcare-offers-pediatric-home-care-nursing-for-complex-medical-needs/

How Occupational Therapy Helps Children

Parents may notice signs of developmental delays in children as early as the infant stages. During the first one to two years, infants and toddlers should reach normal developmental milestones at certain ages that involve their motor skills, communication skills and cognitive abilities. In some cases, a pediatrician will refer the parent to a specialists to treat the developmental disorder. With early childhood intervention, many children are  better able to engage properly in childhood activities and manage any developmental disabilities.

Understanding Speech Development in Toddlers

It is challenging for parents to know whether or not their child has a speech disorder that requires treatment, or if the child is going through a phase that he or she may outgrow. For this reason, it is good for parents to know what is normal and what is not normal speech and language development for children.

Making the Most of Pediatric Physical Therapy

For parents in the Pasadena area or elsewhere, pediatric physical therapy can be a lifesaver. If your child suffers an injury or has delays in motor skill development, it's critical to ensure that they have a skilled professional to help them regain optimal function. If you want your child to get the most out of their experience, here are some things that you must know and some steps you may need to take. 

How OT Helps Young Patients with Daily Activities

Many individuals associate occupational therapy with adults. While this type of therapy can potentially help grown people to be able to work and take care of themselves, they are not the only ones who can potentially benefit from occupational therapy. It may also allow children to develop important skills needed to be more independent.

How Pediatric Home Nursing May Make a Difference

Pediatric home nursing may help make a difference in the life of a child with a chronic medical condition. One of the most common situations that pediatric home health care nurses help with is caring for a premature infant who has recently come home from the hospital. Some of the things that a pediatric home health care nurse might do for your child include:

Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing Issues

Most children experience a range of sensory stimulation throughout the day without even realizing it. The sound of a dog’s collar jingling or the blur of a passing train may even go completely unnoticed. Other children, however, may find this kind of stimulation stressful or unpleasant. Sensory integration therapy may be a useful approach in treating children who struggle with sensory issues.

Physical Therapy: What Parents Can Expect

Your child’s doctor might recommend therapy if he or she has suffered injuries or has a disability. There are certain types of therapy that may be suited for your child’s needs like occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy (PT) is one of the most recommended therapy for children with musculoskeletal impairment. As a parent, here are some of the things you need to know to be prepared for your child’s first PT appointment

Pediatric Physical Therapy Helps Provide Relief

If your child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has been regularly seeing his physician for a dose of pain relief, consider complementing it with physical therapy. Medication may help reduce swelling temporarily but a good therapeutic exercise program may provide longer-lasting benefits by proactively improving the affected joint itself.

Recortes Propuestos a Tasas de Terapia Pediátrica Amenazan Los Servicios Para Niños con Necesidades Especiales-ACCIÓN URGENTE ES NECESARIA!

El Miércoles, 08 de Julio la Comisión de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas dio a conocer un nuevo paquete de tarifa para los servicios de terapia a cortar la financiación de los servicios de terapia pediátrica EXTREMADAMENTE en los dos ámbitos de atención domiciliaria y en las clínicas.  Si es finalizado, estas tarifas entrarán en vigor 1 de Septiembre.

 En respuesta a la ley de presupuesto Sesión Legislativa 84a aprobada en Junio, los reguladores de la Comisión de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHSC) deben reducir las tasas a los servicios de terapia de Medicaid. Antes del 1 de Septiembre de 2015 debe trabajar hacia el recorte de 150 millones de dólares el gasto de Medicaid a través de la terapia de recortes de tasas. Un adicional de $ 25 millones en ahorros se lograrán a través de cambios en las políticas de Medicaid tales como la codificación o la facturación, los cambios y los criterios de necesidad médica.

 Habrá una audiencia pública el 20 de Julio para que la HHSC pueda recoger comentarios sobre las tarifas propuestas. Aquí hay un enlace a la convocatoria.

NECESITAMOS SU AYUDA! Todos los proveedores de terapia pediátrica, padres y miembros de familia de los niños con necesidades especiales que se verán afectadas por los recortes a los servicios de terapia deben asistir a la audiencia pública el 20 de Julio y dar su comentario. Esta será la primera vez que este piloto de contención del costo habrá tenido una audiencia pública, por lo que es urgente que el público, los medios y los legisladores sepan el impacto de este jinete y cómo estas reducciones de tarifas afectarán a los niños con necesidades especiales y sus familias en todo el estado. Por favor, contactar sus oficinas legislativas y invitar a su personal a asistir, así! Es importante que la audiencia recibe tanta atención como sea possible.

Proposed Pediatric Therapy Rate Cuts Threaten Services for Children with Special Needs-URGENT ACTION NEEDED!

On Wednesday, July 8th Texas Health and Human Services Commission released a new rate packet for therapy services SEVERELY cutting funding for pediatric therapy services in both home care and outpatient settings.  If finalized, these rates will take effect September 1st.
 
In response to the 84th Legislative Session budget bill passed in June, regulators at the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must reduce rates to Medicaid therapy services.  By September 1, 2015 they must work toward trimming $150 million from Medicaid therapy spending via rate cuts.  An additional $25 million in savings will be achieved through Medicaid policy changes such as coding, or billing, changes and medical necessity criteria.
 
There will be a public hearing on July 20th so that HHSC may collect comments on the proposed rates.  HERE is a link to the meeting notice. 

We NEED your help!  All pediatric therapy providers, parents and family members of children with special needs who will be impacted by cuts to therapy services must attend the public hearing on July 20th and give comment.  This will be the first time this cost containment rider will have had a public hearing, so it is urgent that the public, media and legislators know the impact of this rider and how these rate reductions will impact children with special needs and their families across the state.  Please reach out to your legislative offices and invite their staff to attend as well!  It is important that the hearing gets as much attention as possible.

 

How Occupational Therapy May Help with CMV Issues

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is among the most common viruses, possibly infecting anyone from unborn children to healthy adults. While it rarely causes symptoms, once infection occurs, it stays in the body for life. Mostly, though, it’s not a cause for concern as it lies dormant in healthy people.

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Managing Moebius Syndrome

Does your child have Moebius Syndrome? If so, there are many ways pediatric occupational therapy may help him live more comfortably and attuned with the world around him. This type of treatment is basically focused on helping children learn their environment to help them grow up to become independent and productive adults. In many cases, it is best used in conjunction with physical and speech therapy.

Pediatric Speech Therapy Care in the Home

The ability to clearly express one’s self is a paramount factor in measuring the development of a child. So it is only natural for parents to be pretty concerned when their children have some lingering difficulty speaking complete sentences or answering questions. If you think your child struggles with the ability to understand or express thoughts and ideas clearly, speech therapy may be a helpful recourse.

ADD/ADHD Myths and the Benefits of OT

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are some of several psychological conditions that have a significant share of misconceptions. Here are a few myths about ADD/ADHD:

Houston Pediatric Physical Therapy Provider Offers Aquatic Therapy This Summer

"Summer is finally here and everyone is excited to head to the nearest beaches and pools to splash away the heat. Your local Houston pediatric physical therapy provider, MedCare Pediatric Group, LP, may also help your child stay cool and have fun during therapy sessions this summer. Aquatic Therapy takes advantage of water’s buoyancy properties to make movement better and easier for our patients. This would make sitting, standing, walking, and even jumping more doable than on land. Our pools have powerful jets that make waves to help patients strengthen their muscles by moving against the water force. This pressure against the body may also help to reduce swelling and improve blood flow."
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/houston-pediatric-physical-therapy-provider-offers-aquatic-therapy-this-summer/

Houston Pediatric Home Care Nursing Provider Cares for Complex Patients

Houston pediatric home care nursing service provider MedCare Pediatric Group, LP offers comprehensive long term or short term services for complex nursing patients. Services are available for children aged birth through 21 years old throughout the Greater Houston area. MedCare is always striving to improve its services to also improve patient experience and treatment. Current nursing services are being revamped in order to accommodate more complex needs of any nursing patient.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/houston-pediatric-home-care-nursing-provider-cares-for-complex-patients/

Houston Pediatric Home Care and Outpatient Provider Debuts Mobile Responsive Website

MedCare Pediatric Group, LP, a Houston pediatric home care and outpatient provider, debuts its new mobile responsive website. In line with the company’s belief in providing first class services for pediatric therapy and nursing, they sought to improve patient experience by adapting to the latest changes on the online landscape. MedCare’s new website features a more mobile-friendly design to make web browsing for patients easier, no matter what device they are on. With this new change, patients and the community can learn about the company, family resources, latest events, career opportunities, and services offered.
http://www.medcarepediatric.com/houston-pediatric-home-care-and-outpatient-provider-debuts-mobile-responsive-website/

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT CUTS TO FUNDING FOR THERAPY SERVICES!!

Last Thursday the budget conference committee voted to approve a final cost-containment provision for the FY 2016-2017 state budget. The cost containment language directs Texas Health and Human Services Commission to reduce spending on acute care therapy by $75 million in general revenues in 2016 ($50M from rates and $25M through policy changes) and at least $75 million in general revenues in 2017 (through rates with the continued savings from policy changes). If the $25 million in policy savings are not achieved the first year, HHSC can make up the difference in additional rate reductions in 2017 for a total of $150 million in cuts over the biennium – 25% reduction to the program.

 

Call your legislators now to oppose this action. (CLICK HERE)

 

What can your legislator do?  They are YOUR VOICE in government and should REPRESENT YOU by communicating the devastating consequences of this decision to budget leaders. House Finance Chairman John Otto and Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson have the ability to mitigate the damage. Your legislators must insist that they do so!

 

The budget bill will need a vote on the House floor before it can go to the Governor for signature. Your legislators can approach the microphone and share your concerns publically. This is especially important because there have been no public hearings on this issue, in complete disregard for open government and transparency. While TAHC&H did everything we could to inject reason, context, and good data to these private conversations, budget conferees proceeded with only a very slightly modified proposal from the original and egregious Senate proposal.

 

CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS IMMEDIATELY and tell them that a $150 million cut to therapy programs in HB 1 (budget bill) is wrong for Texas and will severely threaten access to care! Let them know how these cuts will affect your ability to serve Medicaid clients if the program is reduced so drastically. Tell them about specific children being served in their district and how rate cuts will impact those patients.

 

TAHC&H will continue to fight these cuts and work with HHSC and legislators on behalf of therapy services (see press release). Because the budget legislation must still be passed by the House and Senate, over the next few days it is imperative that TAHC&H members call and visit your legislators to impart the seriousness of this situation. If you are aware of therapy companies in your area that are not members, please feel free to share this information with them as this impacts ALL therapy! 

The Different Benefits of Pediatric Home Care

Children undergoing therapy, be it occupational, physical, or speech therapy, often need continuous medical care after their therapy sessions. This is one of the needs addressed by pediatric home care nursing services.

Urgent-Call Your State Representative and Urge Them to Oppose Page 121 of the Rider Packet Regarding Acute Therapy Services!

We just got word out of Austin that there has been a rider (amendment) proposed to the Texas House budget bill that could result in SIGNIFICANT cuts to funding for Medicaid therapy in the State of Texas!!  We need your help to oppose this amendment!  Below is a link to find your representative’s contact info along with some sample language that you can use in your call.  Please email me back and let me know that you called.  Feel free to give my contact number if they need any further information.

Please call your State Representatives now and tell them to oppose this amendment! It is extremely urgent as the vote is Tuesday (today!) 

Estimated savings to Medicaid in the Senate version, which could decimate home care therapy, was put at $200 million. Call your House Representatives immediately to oppose this rider and keep it out of the House budget! 

Here is a link to find your representative:

http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/find-your-representative/

Sample Message for Caregivers of Children Who Could Be Impacted:

My name is __________, and I live in your district.  My child receives the following therapy services: ______________________________.  Without these services or limited access my child would suffer in the following ways: ______________________________________________________.

 

Sample Message for Providers:

Hello, my name is _______________ and I'm calling to ask Representative _______________ to oppose a proposed amendment to the House budget. This amendment would have a devastating impact on therapy services for children with special needs.

This is Rep. Greg Bonnen's Rider related to Acute Therapy Services, on page 121 of the rider packet.

This Rider would amount to a 44% cut to therapy services. The estimated savings of $200 million to the Medicaid program is completely unrealistic and unsustainable for acute care therapy services.

These drastic reductions in therapy reimbursement will limit access to medically-necessary therapy services for children with disabilities.

These reductions are not consistent with the HHSC Consolidated Budget that shows therapy providers are being appropriately reimbursed under the current rate structure.

The study upon which this amendment is based is extremely flawed. It was not shared with the public prior to budget decisions and therefore no public input was received.

HHSC continues to look at rate cuts to contain growth in spending, rather than appropriate policy changes to ensure appropriate utilization. 

 

Dr. Greg Bonnen, the representative who introduced this rider covers state district 24 which is right here in the Houston area.  His district covers portions of League City, Friendswood, Dickinson and Galveston.  If you are in these areas we urge you to contact his office and oppose this rider as the representatives are often more responsive to the constituents from their own districts. 

 http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/?district=24

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Benefits Young Patients

Pediatricians are often prompted to recommend physical therapy for young children with certain genetic disabilities or conditions like cerebral palsy to help address their difficulty with movement or performing everyday routine activities.

Physical therapy is a treatment generally given to patients with any medical condition that impedes movement. An injured person, for example, commonly undergoes therapy to facilitate recovery. The treatment may also help improve overall fitness and physical health.

Pediatric physical therapy, in particular, is geared toward enabling children to perform daily activities with the least amount of difficulty as possible. Different therapeutic exercises are used to help them strengthen and regain their bodily functions. In very young children, physical therapy enables one to achieve developmental skills, such as crawling and walking, as well as to improve coordination and balance.