Strengths-based occupational therapy

The first step is to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. This gives us a chance to connect, discuss your needs, and determine if my services are a good fit.

If we decide to move forward, you’ll need to request a doctor's order for an occupational therapy evaluation. Once I receive that, we’ll schedule the evaluation. After the assessment, I’ll provide you with a detailed report and plan of care, which will also be shared with your doctor.

From there, we’ll begin services based on your individualized goals. As progress is made, we can perform re-evaluations to update goals, adjust services, or determine if it’s time for discharge.

Note: Maryland allows for “direct access” to occupational therapy, meaning you don’t need a doctor’s order to start services. However, if you plan to submit a superbill to your insurance, I strongly recommend obtaining a doctor’s order, as it can support claim approval.

While my primary focus is on adolescents and young adults preparing for life after school, I also support children ages 5 and up with a variety of developmental, learning, and emotional needs.

Accepted Insurance Plans

All Bright Futures OT is credentialed with the following insurance plans:

Medicare
Maryland Medicaid (Fee-for-Service) – for clients under age 21
Maryland Medicaid REM (Rare and Expensive Medical)

Medicaid MCOs I am in network with:

• Aetna Better Health

• CareFirst BCBS Community Health Plan

• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Private Insurance Plans I accept:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

• UnitedHealthcare

Medicaid MCOs I am not in network with

I am not credentialed with the following Medicaid MCOs and cannot bill or accept payment from clients covered under these plans:

• Priority Partners

• Jai Medical Systems

• MedStar Family Choice

• Kaiser Permanente

• Maryland Physicians Care

• Wellpoint Medical

Unfortunately, these plans have chosen not to credential me after repeated attempts to justify the importance of my services. Because of Medicaid’s balance billing laws, I also cannot accept private (cash) payment from clients covered only by one of these MCOs.

If you have one of these MCOs and no other primary insurance that I am in network with, I will not be able to provide services. I can still provide consultative support (cash), as this is not a billable service.  

Primary vs. Secondary Insurance

If you have Medicare or Medicaid as a secondary insurance, here’s how billing works:

• I will bill your primary insurance first, even if it is out of network.

• I can then bill your secondary insurance only if:

  • It is Medicare, Maryland Medicaid Fee-for-Service, or Medicaid REM, or

  • It is a Medicaid MCO that I am in network with (Aetna Better Health, CareFirst BCBS Community Health Plan, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan).

• You will not be balance billed for any remaining charges after both plans pay.

If your secondary insurance is a Medicaid MCO that I am not in network with, billing that plan is not an option.
If your primary insurance is also out of network, I am unable to provide services because I cannot legally accept cash payment when a non-network Medicaid plan is involved.

Examples:

• ✅ Cigna primary + Medicare secondary: I bill Cigna, receive the EOB, then forward it to Medicare (which I am credentialed with).

• ⚠️ Aetna primary + Priority Partners secondary: I bill Aetna, but I cannot bill Priority Partners, as I am not in network with that MCO.

• ❌ Cigna primary + Priority Partners secondary: I cannot see you because I am out of network with both, and Medicaid laws prohibit me from accepting private payment in this case.

Private Pay and Superbills

I continue to accept private pay (cash-based) clients who either:

• Have private insurance only (and wish to self-submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement), or

• Are fully self-pay.

Superbills are available upon request for potential reimbursement from your private insurance. Please check with your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network benefits in advance.

Common CPT Codes Used

Evaluation

• 97165, 97166, 97167 – Occupational therapy evaluation (low, moderate, high complexity)

Intervention

• 97535 – Self-care/home management training (ADLs, compensatory strategies, safety, etc.)

• 97110 – Therapeutic exercise

• 97530 – Therapeutic activities (to improve functional performance)

• 97537 – Community/work reintegration (e.g., shopping, transportation, money management)

• 97550 – Caregiver training (without the client present)

• 97129 – Cognitive function intervention (e.g., executive function, memory, problem solving)

Understanding the Cost of Services

I understand that occupational therapy can feel like a significant financial investment—and it is. I believe in being transparent about what goes into the cost of services and why my rates are set the way they are.

As an independent provider, your investment covers more than just time spent in session. It also supports:

• Licensure & Continuing Education – Ongoing learning and credentialing ensure I provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

• Professional Liability Insurance – Protects both you and me, and is required for ethical practice.

• Secure Electronic Health Record (EHR) System – Ensures HIPAA-compliant documentation, scheduling, and communication.

• Travel & Mileage – As a mobile therapist, I come to you. Travel time, fuel, and vehicle upkeep are factored into my rates.

• Assessment Tools & Materials – Evaluations involve specialized, standardized tools that require licensing and periodic updates.

• Session Preparation & Documentation – Each visit includes behind-the-scenes planning, individualized material prep, and required documentation to ensure continuity and quality of care.

• Administrative Overhead – Includes business operations such as billing, insurance claims, website maintenance, and communication systems.

I offer mobile outpatient services within 10 miles of my home in Ellicott City, MD (21042), so I come to you! Whether it’s at your home or out in the community, sessions happen in real-life settings to help build skills in the places you use them most.

Maryland is a direct access state, which means a physician’s order is not required to begin occupational therapy evaluation or treatment for most private-pay clients.

However, if you are covered by Medicare or Maryland Medicaid, a physician’s order and a signed plan of care are required before ongoing treatment can proceed. This is necessary to comply with federal and state regulations and to ensure services are reimbursable.

If you plan to submit a superbill to your private insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, I also strongly recommend obtaining a doctor’s order. Insurance companies are more likely to process and approve claims when a referral or order is included.

We'll go over exactly what to request from your provider during our initial consultation so you feel confident moving forward.

Session length and frequency are based on individual needs and goals. Most sessions are 50-60 minutes and occur once per week, but we will work together to determine what makes the most sense for your situation.

I focus on helping individuals develop meaningful, real-life skills in areas such as daily living, academic success, vocational readiness, social participation, and leisure engagement. Goals are always personalized and based on a collaborative evaluation process.

Yes, telehealth is available for clients who may benefit from virtual support. Telehealth sessions are offered at a reduced rate of $130 per session and can be a convenient and effective option—especially for coaching, consultation, or certain skill-building sessions.

That said, telehealth isn't the best fit for every client or every goal. Occupational therapy is often most effective when delivered in person, particularly when hands-on support, environmental observation, or real-time task engagement is needed. In some cases, a hybrid model—with a combination of in-person and virtual sessions—can offer the best of both worlds.

During your initial consultation and evaluation, we’ll determine together what service model will be the most supportive for you or your child’s needs.

From the “Annotated Code of Maryland Health Occupations Article, Title 10-pages 1-20”:

(l) Occupational therapy. -- “Occupational therapy” means the therapeutic use of purposeful and meaningful goal–directed activities to evaluate, consult, and treat individuals who: (1) Have a disease or disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction that interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles; or (2) Benefit from the prevention of impairments and activity limitations.

(o) Occupational therapy principles. -- “Occupational therapy principles” include: (1) The use of therapeutic activities that promote independence in daily life roles; (2) Remediation or restoration of performance abilities that are limited due to impairment in biological, physiological, psychological, or neurological processes; (3) In order to enhance performance, the adaption of task, process, or the environment, or the teaching of compensatory techniques; (4) Methods and techniques for preventing disability that facilitate the development or safe application of performance skills; (5) Health promotion strategies and practices that enhance performance abilities; and (6) Education, instruction, and research in the practice of occupational therapy. (p) Occupational therapy procedures. – (1) Occupational therapy procedures” include: (i) Developing, improving, sustaining, or restoring skills in activities of daily living, work, or productive activities, including: 1. Instrumental activities of daily activity; and 2. Play and leisure activities; (ii) Developing, remediating, or restoring sensorimotor, perceptual, cognitive, or psychological components of performance; (iii) Designing, fabricating, applying, or training in the use of assistive technology, splinting, or orthotic devices, including training in the use of prosthetic devices; (iv) Adapting environments and processes, including the application of ergonomic principles to enhance performance and safety in daily life roles; (v) Applying physical agent modalities as adjuncts to or in preparation for purposeful activity with appropriate training, as specified by the Board in regulations; (vi) Promoting safe, functional mobility in daily life tasks; (vii) Providing intervention in collaboration with the client, the client’s family, the client’s caregiver, or others; (viii) Educating the client, the client’s family, the client’s caregiver, or others in carrying out appropriate nonskilled interventions; and (ix) Consulting with groups, programs, organizations, and communities to provide population-based services. (2) Occupational therapy procedures” do not include the adjustment or manipulation of any of the osseous structures of the body or spine.

At All Bright Futures OT, my logo is more than just a symbol—it’s a reflection of the heart behind my work.

The sunflower is a tribute to my late sister, Heidi, whose strength, resilience, and bright spirit continue to inspire me every day. Heidi was a passionate special educator, a devoted daughter, a loyal friend, and a bright light to everyone who knew her. She lived her life with courage, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others. The sunflower, which was part of her wedding bouquet, reminds me of her joy, perseverance, and the grace with which she faced life’s hardest challenges.

The roots in my logo represent the foundational skills, connections, and supports that individuals need to grow strong and live fully. The sun symbolizes my role as an occupational therapist—not to change who someone is, but to walk alongside them, helping light the way as they find their own path toward meaningful engagement and independence. It also reflects my belief that all futures can be bright, no matter the path each person follows.

You’ll also see nature woven throughout my website. I believe nature teaches us important lessons about growth—how it requires time, patience, resilience, and care. Just as trees weather storms and flowers bloom after seasons of change, individuals build strength and skills over time, especially with the right support and nurturing. Spending time outdoors is also one of the most powerful ways to promote emotional well-being, self-regulation, and connection—all of which are essential for thriving in everyday life.

At All Bright Futures OT, everything I do is rooted in the belief that with strong foundations, steady guidance, and the light of possibility, every future can grow bright.

📄 Website Disclosures for All Bright Futures OT, LLC

🔒 Privacy Policy

At All Bright Futures OT, I am committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines how I collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use my website.

What I Collect

I may collect:

• Contact information (e.g., name, email, phone)

• Non-identifiable website usage data (via cookies or analytics tools)

• Information you choose to submit via contact forms or appointment requests

I do not collect or transmit protected health information (PHI) through our public website forms unless explicitly stated.

How I Use Your Information

• To respond to inquiries and service requests

• To schedule consultations or services

• To share updates, resources, or newsletters (with your permission)

I will never sell your information or use it for advertising without consent.

Third-Party Services

I may use third-party providers (e.g., Mailchimp, Google Analytics, HelloNote) who are required to meet data privacy and security standards.

🛡️ HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (summary)

All Bright Futures OT complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). I follow strict guidelines to protect your health information.

If you become a client, you will receive a full Notice of Privacy Practices detailing:

• How I may use and disclose your health information

• Your rights to access and control your information

• How to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

You may request a full copy of my HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.

📘 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

To avoid dual relationships and maintain ethical practice, All Bright Futures OT, LLC  cannot evaluate or treat individuals who currently attend schools where I am also employed.

As of today, I am employed at the following schools:

1. Oakland Mills Middle School

2. Oakland Mills High School

3. Howard High School

4. River Hill High School

5. Mount Hebron High School

I ask that prospective clients disclose their current school affiliation during the intake process to ensure eligibility.

📄 Terms of Use

By using this website, you agree to the following:

• Information provided is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

• Do not submit sensitive health or financial information through public forms.

• Use of this website does not create a therapist–client relationship unless services are formally initiated.

📞 Contact Me

Questions about my privacy practices or website policies? Please contact:

All Bright Futures OT 📞240-547-9615 ✉️ whitney@allbrightfuturesot.com 🌐 www.allbrightfuturesot.com