FAQ: because life is confusing but physical therapy shouldn’t be.
how does in-home pediatric physical therapy work?
First, you might notice that your baby or kiddo is choosing to move differently and you’re maybe not sure what to make of it. You’re worried, so you’re trying to figure if you should just wait it out or if there’s something that can help that you can start doing now. Maybe you chat with your girlfriends, ask your mom or your kiddo’s doctor, and start searching on youtube for exercises. Finally, you start getting curious about Physical Therapy as a solution because you see yourself as a proactive parent who likes to take action early if there’s something that can be done to help your little one.
A Physical Therapy Evaluation is like a first date between a Physical Therapist and a Patient, in this case, your baby or little one. We will teach you about how your child is moving, help the kiddo learn how to move more efficiently addressing your specific concern like torticollis, plagiocephaly or gross motor milestones, and get them on track to developing as efficiently as their unique situation allows.
From this moment on, you can look forward to not having to google all your fears about your kiddos development anymore, because you’ve got a Physical Therapist, who has your back. Besides, you don’t have time to shower alone, so outsourcing anything at this point probably sounds great.
Now, it’s time to choose the right therapist or company to work with your kiddo (this is such an important part). If you’d like to work with Dr. Baker, the next steps will get everything set up so that she can come to you (your house, your kiddos daycare, etc) to do an in home pediatric physical therapy evaluation.
Set up an evaluation through our online scheduling system Simple Practice (here is pricing if you’re curious) or schedule a free 15 minute introductory call with Dr. Baker to get to know her and share more about your kiddo’s unique experience.
Fill out the in-take forms (privacy, intake questionnaire, release of information, personal info like address, etc) so Dr. Baker can be prepared for the evaluation (they’ll be emailed to you once your appointment has been confirmed and can be easily filled out on your phone, iPad, or computer).
You will receive electronic reminders of your appointment the week of via email or text (depending on your selected preferences).
Your kiddo will have their evaluation, you will receive a written report and individualized exercises, and together you & Dr. Baker will determine if and how many follow up appointments are needed (we’re open to creative scheduling as once per week is not always the best option for each kiddo or family).
areas of concern and conditions treated.
Babies: Dr. Baker loves treating babies with parents concerns or conditions including torticollis, plagiocephaly, difficulty with tummy time, and difficulties in gross motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand or supported standing.
Plagiocephaly (flatness of the skull): Dr. Baker is trained in the conservative management of Plagiocephaly for infants 2 weeks to 6 months via repositioning and Physical Therapy. She is trained by the company Baby Begin: The Helmet Alternative. Babies who are older than 6 months are not candidates for repositioning due to rolling and likely sleeping on their bellies (leaving for less opportunities to re-shape the skull as it needs an external force) and would instead be candidates for a helmet. However, babies who are in need of a helmet who have a diagnosis or concern of torticollis, would benefit from Physical Therapy in order for the most optimal results regarding head shape change with the helmet.
Torticollis: Torticollis is often associated with plagiocephaly, however, it can be present without any changes in skull shape. Torticollis is a whole body condition that can create asymmetries in movement and posture, which can impact current and future gross motor milestones. It is recommended by the American Physical Therapy Association for screening of head/neck rotation limitations or head tilting within two days of age by friends, family, or healthcare professionals, as often torticollis can occur inutero.
Treatment for Torticollis outcomes and expectations: 0-1 month old: 1 to 2 months average length of PT; 1-3 month old: 5.9 month average length of PT, 3-6 month old: 7.9 month average length of PT, 6-12 month old: 8.9 month average length of PT. Each child is different and with a holistic approach, active family participation and adherence to the home exercises, length of PT can transition from 1x/week to 1x/2 weeks or decrease up to 1-3 months in total length of PT.
Toddlers & Older kiddos: Dr. Baker also thinks all kiddos are super fun and treats parent concerns or conditions including: delayed walking, decreased weight bearing tolerance (doesn’t want to put their feet down), toe walking, tripping/falling, w-sitting, decreased coordination, or difficulty with: planning movements, navigating the stairs, or getting up off the floor.
Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, is able to assess other areas of concern as they present or if you or your doctor have additional concerns regarding the musculoskeletal system or movement patterns.
covid-19 and vaccine protocol.
Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, has been fully vaccinated via the pfizer two-shot covid-19 vaccine including appropriate boosters. While personal protective equipment (PPE) is no longer standard, she is more than happy to accommodate mask requests by family members (your home, your rules!). She utilizes hand sanitizer and sanitizes all equipment prior to and after in home therapy sessions.
For other covid-19 related questions or concerns, please email.
Dr. Baker, DPT, is additionally vaccinated with the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and yearly flu vaccines. Her most recent vaccine for Tdap occurring in May of 2021. Tdap is a vaccine that protects adults and infants specifically those under one years old from whooping cough. Dr. Baker does respect all families decisions based on what is right for them and her vaccination status is stated only as a means of transparency for families.
doctor referrals.
No doctor referral is needed as Idaho has direct access for patients to receive physical therapy. However, we think doctors are awesome and encourage any parent who has concerns about their child’s movement, to address them with their pediatrician.
Once you schedule an evaluation, we’ll send a few online forms, including a release of information so we can give your pediatrician a courtesy call with Dr. Baker’s contact information. You will also be emailed access to your child’s evaluation to download and bring to your child’s next doctor appointment if you wish.
*Most insurances do require a referral in order to be reimbursed prior to therapy services starting, it is recommended to check with your insurance if you plan to submit a super bill for reimbursement at your insurance’s out-of-network rate.
payments.
All payments for evaluations and services are processed through the Simple Practice’s secure online portal via credit card. Please note credit card information is due at time of scheduling. Your card will be billed automatically at midnight the day of your session, unless you opt-out of auto-pay. Families with out of network benefits can request reimbursement directly with their insurance company by filling out a claims form and attaching both the statements (receipt of payment) and superbills. Monthly statements (receipts) and superbills are automatically emailed to you on the 1st of every month.
super bill.
A super bill is a fancy medical receipt given to a patient/family from a Physical Therapist that states what codes were utilized during Physical Therapy services. It is then sent to the insurance company by the patient’s parents in order for the family to receive reimbursement from their insurance at the “out of network” rate. A super bill will be automatically emailed to you on the 1st of every month, unless otherwise indicated. For more information on how to get reimbursed for eligible visits download our step by step guide or watch the video example on filling out a claims form here.
auto-pay.
We think auto-pay makes everything easier. You will automatically be enrolled in auto-pay (as long as you don’t tell us otherwise!) which allows Simple Practice to bill your card on file at midnight the day of your session. Auto-pay will still apply if a cancellation does not occur 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
areas served.
Dr. Lauren Baker serves the greater Boise, Idaho, area. She drives to wherever you and/or your child are located, including areas +/- 30 minutes from downtown Boise including but not limited to: Boise, Garden City, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Nampa, Kuna, and Pleasant Valley, Idaho.
If you are located outside of that range and are still interested in services, Please email as service may still be possible with an additional mileage fee.
Additional mileage charges are as follows: 31-45 miles from Boise $30, 60 miles from Boise $60. Mileage fees are not reimbursable services from insurance companies.
Please email if you have specific questions on whether your location is served.
cancellations.
Out of respect, we request a 24 hour notice for cancellations and reschedules. Cancellations can be done via email, text, or phone call.
You will also be able to cancel or change appointments through the patient portal on Simple Practice or through email/text reminders.
If cancellation does not occur prior to 24 hours, payment will still be required via autopay or invoice.
location variety.
Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, specializes in treating infants and kiddos who have difficulty walking (2 mo-4 years) in the home, but we know that children love to play in a variety of different environments.
If you’re curious about your child’s ability to play in other positions or locations including on the playground please email about sessions or evaluations available at alternative sites.
online consulting.
How is an Online Pediatric Consultation different than Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Pediatric Online Consultations do not work directly with your child as Physical Therapy in person or a telehealth Evaluation would. The purpose of the online consultation is to be a resource to you, the parent, so that you can make the best decision possible regarding where your child is at and where to go from here, instead of partaking in a google based fear rollercoaster.
Online Pediatric Consultations are cash-based and not available for a superbill or out of network insurance reimbursement, as they are non-covered services. Think of it like chatting about appropriate pediatric gross motor milestones, whether you should look into getting a pediatric PT referral, how to progress or adapt exercises that you are currently working on with your kiddo and general questions or exercises that may benefit a wide range of children with a specific diagnosis or impairment (not an individualized treatment plan).
To book an online consultation go to our appointments page. If you are a Physical Therapist curious about starting your own mobile cash-based PT business, how to self-publish books on Amazon, or other ways to create income using your physical therapy knowledge online, you may book an Online Business Consultation.
dr. baker’s philosophy.
Due to extensive education in the biomechanical and manual models of Physical Therapy, Dr. Baker, sees the world from a biomechanical perspective, which basically means that it’s easy for her to break down how each joint/muscle is working together (or isn’t) and how to influence them through positioning, exercises, and education to improve how a kiddo moves. Her focus and expertise lie in how the body and brain intersect to create movement that is either efficient or inefficient. Her passion lies in focusing on analyzing your child’s movements and then breaking them down into bite-sized pieces so that you, as the parent, can understand how your child is moving and if there are ways to improve it (bonus if those ways are fun). Through in person evaluation, treatment, education, and video resources, Dr. Baker, helps teach kiddos and empower parents to utilize more efficient play positions to increase their kiddos ability to move.
resources.
Here are a few specific resources for parents of kiddos.
Free Online Courses for Tummy Time, Rolling, Sitting, Crawling, and Walking
forms.
Prior to your child’s Assessment, you will receive forms via email to give consent for evaluation and/or treatment, our privacy policy, payment acknowledgements, an intake form to get to know your kiddo a little before we see them, and our procedures form. Any form that requires a signature will be signed electronically through our Simple Practice website.
copies of medical records.
Copies of medical records can be shared with your child’s PCP or alternative provider if given specific authorization to receive/send via a signed release of information form. You are able to receive electronic copies of your child’s medical records at any time with written request via email. You will always receive an electronic copy of your child’s initial evaluation, progress notes, or discharge.
letters of medical necessity.
letters of medical necessity are typically written when a child requires adaptive equipment in order to support their ability to be independent in an environment. It is submitted to insurance companies in order to assist with purchasing of this equipment and deeming it medically necessary. Letters of medical necessity can be required for adaptive medical strollers, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, standers, activity chairs, etc. Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, is able to write letters of medical necessity for equipment if deemed that the child requires the equipment and it is agreed upon by both the parent, medical provider (PCP), DME vendor, and therapist.
do you work with kiddos with disabilities?
Dr. Baker, PT, loves working in person with children with disabilities ranging from mild to significantly impacted. Some of the kiddos she’s worked with including those who are non-verbal with significant diagnoses have been the most joyous of her career. If interested in a pediatric physical therapy evaluation of a child with a diagnosed disability with/without assistive devices, please email Dr. Baker, PT.
we come to you.
Dr. Baker sees kiddos in their homes +/- 45 minutes (30 miles) from where she lives in Boise, Idaho.
Areas served: Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Meridian, Caldwell, Nampa, Kuna, Star, and Pleasant Valley, Idaho.
Outside of areas served: additional mileage rates apply (31-45 miles from Boise $30 | 45-60 miles from Boise $60).
Please email or call if you’re curious if your location is served.
Hours
7:30am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Saturday by appointment only.
Additional hours as needed in the Evening or Later Afternoon by request only.
Phone
(815) 545-2738
Email
info@drlaurenbaker.com
Company
Dr. Lauren Baker In Home Pediatric Physical Therapy
Dr. Lauren Baker Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC