What ages of children are seen for therapy?
We provide therapy for children and adults of all ages.

Does ExplorAbilities accept my insurance?
Most likely, yes! ExplorAbilities has contracts with most insurance companies operating in the Albuquerque area.

How much will I pay?
As a courtesy to you, ExplorAbilities will bill your insurance company. You will pay your copay or coinsurance amount on the day of your appointment. This amount varies depending on your insurance plan, but it is probably printed on your insurance card. If your insurance plan has a deductible (the amount you must pay before your insurance company will pay), you will need to pay for the services on the day of your appointment. ExplorAbilities accepts VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, as well as personal checks or cash.

You also have the option of “self-pay,” in which case we encourage you to contact us to discuss fees.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?
For Occupation Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy, ExplorAbilities will need a referral (or prescription) from your child’s doctor in order to set up therapy services, including the initial evaluation and process your insurance claims.

What should my child wear?
Most children are fine wearing the clothes they are wearing for the day. Occasionally the physical therapists may ask that they wear shorts.

Can I be present during the evaluation?
Parents are an integral part of the evaluation and are encouraged to observe. The therapist will want to know the parents’ concerns, and if the child’s performance is typical of what is seen at home and at school.

How long can I expect the evaluation to take?
The evaluations vary depending on the specialty, and the specific assessments needed. They will take between 50 and 90 minutes, depending on the assessments used and the child’s tolerance of testing.

What should I bring to the evaluation?
Bring your referral or prescription from your child’s doctor, completed forms which we have already provided, or filled out prior to your appointment by arriving 15 minutes early. Also bring your insurance card, copay and/or deductible, and clothes for your child to change into if needed.

What can I expect from the evaluation?
Most evaluations include standardized assessments which will compare your child’s performance to what would be expected for a child of his/her age. It will also include observations by the therapist of how your child performs certain tasks or skills and a thorough parent interview to understand how your concerns are having an impact on daily function. With this information, the therapist will determine whether therapy services could be helpful to your child.

If therapy is recommended, how do we get started?
Once your insurance company has authorized treatment, we will call to schedule your child’s start date. The therapist, day of the week, and time reserved for the evaluation will be the same for scheduled therapy unless otherwise specified. Therapy sessions will usually take place on a weekly basis with regular evaluation of your child’s progress towards goals established by his/her therapist.

What can I expect when I bring my child to therapy?
Your child will become established with one therapist for regularly scheduled appointments. Therapy is child-centered, play oriented, and individualized for each child’s specific needs. Therapy sessions are typically fun and motivating for the child. Because children’s play is their “work,” most therapy sessions will involve toys and games to engage and motivate the child while targeting needed skills. Activities are goal directed and designed to challenge the child without overwhelming him/her. The therapist will modify the session based on the child’s needs during the course of therapy at ExplorAbilities.

Should parents attend the therapy sessions?
Parents are always welcome to attend sessions, however, some children may perform better in sessions if the parents are not there. Talk with your child’s therapist about what may work best for getting the most out of your child’s therapy sessions

How long does a therapy session last?
The length of therapy sessions depends on the type of therapy being provided. Physical and occupational therapy sessions are 50 minutes long and speech language therapy sessions are 30 minutes long.

How can I help my child reach their therapy goals?
You will be provided with home programs and recommendations to carry out regularly at home. Providing follow through on skills practiced in therapy is an integral step in helping your child reach their goals.

How long will my child receive therapy?
This is determined by the family, the therapist, and insurance coverage, and it varies from child to child.

Can my child be seen at ExplorAbilities if they receive therapy services elsewhere?
If your child is receiving therapy services at school or through a state-funded early intervention program, he/she can typically still qualify for services at our clinic. Check with your individual insurance provider to determine if specific benefits are available. Also, some insurance companies will not pay for therapy services in two or more private clinics.

What if my child is sick and has a scheduled therapy appointment?
If your child is sick, we ask that you cancel their appointment by calling us as soon as possible. If your child is sick, he/she will not be allowed to attend therapy that day. With the extra recent concerns regarding COVID and the Public Health Crisis, we cannot allow anybody who is ill to enter the clinic. It is difficult for your child to participate in therapy if he/she does not feel well, anyway. We appreciate your consideration to other parents and our staff. We will attempt to reschedule your child’s appointment if an opening is available. There is the option of rescheduling with a substitute therapist who will follow the outlined treatment plan. Frequent cancellations and/or three no-shows can result in a child being taken off the schedule. Also, keep in mind that many insurance companies authorize therapy sessions for a limited period of time, and extending that time period is not always possible.

What happens if insurance coverage ends, and my child still needs therapy services?
Please inform us as soon as possible when this happens. Our billing manager can speak with your about what options are available.