Sorry this is a bit late in replying. I am working for a home health company that is moving into a new area where I live (where there are already 4 or 5 other home-health companies). Our marketing person is great -- she has been a home-health nurse for years so knows the job. What she does is just turns up at the doctors office and talk to the office staff to get to know them Then she makes an appointment with a doctor's office to take lunch to them and explains our services to the doctor(s) and his/her staff. . (Look in the phone book to find out what doctors are in your area). Sometimes I and/or the PT go with her. If I go I tell the doctor and his/her staff (who often are more in charge of the referrals) what I do as an OT, emphasizing the return to independence. In particular I explain that when people have had a hip replacement, (or a CVA) for example they cannot dress or bathe themselves without an OT training them in adaptive techniques and/or assistive devices. So they need OT as well as PT. I take my sock aid and reacher etc, and show them how the sock aid works. Most people think it is the greatest thing (as do I!). A light bulb went off for a nurse at a surgeon's office. She realized that she was always tying people's shoes for them -- what happened when they got home and where unable to do it for themselves! I know there is much more to what I do than that, but you have to gear it to the patients they see and show why they need an OT referral. I also show that OTs work with cognitive issues, TBI and dementia, it is not just about strengthening (!)
I talk about energy-conservation, work-simplification etc and show them hand-outs. We have a one-page referral sheet that makes it very easy for the doctor to fill out with the info you need. I have developed a one-page sheet 'What is occupational therapy" that I give to patients as well as doctors explaining what to expect from therapy, and what 'occupation' is . When you do get a referral, send a thank you note and a small gift to keep your name in the doctor's mind. Think of it like an interview for a job -- you have to show how good you are and why they should 'hire' you. -- Sue Hossack MOT, OTR/L, ATP Occupational Therapist http://www.ot-care.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
