How does your visit to the occupational therapist go?
Are you visiting the occupational therapist? In that case, it’s helpful to know in advance how an appointment works and what to expect.
During an initial appointment, we’ll work with you to identify what matters to you in your daily life and where you’re seeking support. Below, you can read about how an initial visit usually goes.
Before your appointment
You do not usually need a referral to book an appointment for occupational therapy. In some situations, however, a referral may be necessary or advisable. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact Join us.
To get a clear picture of your situation, we ask you to come to your appointment well prepared:
- Please bring your ID with you;
- Please bring a referral letter with you if you have one;
- Please bring a current list of your medications with you, if applicable;
- Please bring any medical reports, test results or findings with you if they relate to your situation;
- Think in advance about which activities have become difficult for you;
- Make a note of any questions or examples from your daily life;
- Please bring any aids you use with you, if they are relevant to your enquiry.
Please also take a look at our code of conduct. In it, you will find the agreements and expectations that apply, so that together we can ensure pleasant and appropriate care.
The first appointment
During your first appointment, we will work with you to map out your needs, daily activities and situation step by step.
The appointment usually consists of the following parts:
- the intake interview
- analysis of your day-to-day performance
- observation and investigation (if necessary)
- goals and treatment plan
- continued
Below you can read what to expect for each section.
The intake interview
Your appointment begins with a consultation. The occupational therapist will ask questions to gain a clear understanding of what matters to you and the challenges you face in your daily life.
Among other things, we will discuss:
- which activities have become difficult;
- when symptoms or limitations are particularly noticeable;
- what you would like to be able to do again;
- your work, studies, family and daily routines;
- how you experience your energy levels and stress;
- any previous treatment or support;
- your medical history.
In occupational therapy, we look not only at your symptoms, but above all at what you want and need to carry out your daily activities effectively.
Analysis of your day-to-day performance
Following the consultation, the occupational therapist will work with you to identify why activities are no longer coming naturally to you. In doing so, we will look at the relationship between:
- yourself: your resilience, energy, concentration, skills and habits;
- your environment: home, work, school or the people around you;
- the activities you wish to carry out.
Depending on your enquiry, the occupational therapist may ask you to describe an activity or to look at how you carry it out together. For example, cooking, working, planning, caring for others or managing stimuli and energy levels.
Observation and research
Sometimes further investigation is needed to gain a better understanding of your situation.
The assessment is tailored to your needs and may, for example, consist of:
- observation of daily activities;
- assessing workload and capacity;
- research into attention, memory or planning;
- analysis of work attitude or workplace;
- assessment of energy balance and daily schedule;
- research into assistive devices or changes.
Not every appointment includes the same elements. We only select the tests that are relevant to your situation.
Goals and treatment plan
After the assessment, the occupational therapist will discuss the findings with you. Together, you will identify which goals are important to you and what support would be appropriate to help you achieve them.
In this context, we will discuss, amongst other things:
- which affects your day-to-day functioning;
- which changes might help;
- which you can practise or adapt yourself;
- what support is appropriate;
- what you can expect from the process.
Depending on your situation, occupational therapy may, for example, involve:
- advice on energy distribution en tax;
- training in daily activities;
- learning new strategies or routines;
- support with work, study or home life;
- advice on assistive devices or amendments;
- coaching to achieve a balance between activities and recovery;
- coordination with other healthcare providers.
Continued
After discussing the treatment plan, you will usually know which next steps are appropriate for your situation. Sometimes, a single appointment is enough to move forward with advice. In other situations, we agree on a treatment programme involving several appointments.
Between appointments, you will often work on the advice or exercises in your own environment. During follow-up appointments, we discuss how this is going and make adjustments where necessary.
Complaints do not always stand alone. Where appropriate and possible, the occupational therapist can help to organise collaboration with other healthcare professionals at Rondom. For example, a psychologist, physiotherapist, lifestyle coach, podiatrist or other relevant practitioner.
Costs and reimbursement
Occupational therapy is covered by basic health insurance. You are entitled to 10 hours of occupational therapy per calendar year.
Do you have supplementary insurance? If so, you may be entitled to additional treatment hours on top of these 10 hours. This varies depending on your health insurer and policy.
You should therefore always read your policy terms and conditions carefully or contact your health insurer. That way, you’ll know exactly how many treatments are covered for you.
View this page for more information on reimbursements.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have already compiled a number of answers to practical questions about our occupational therapy services for you. For example:
View all here frequently asked questions about occupational therapy.
Contact
Would you like to know whether occupational therapy is suitable for your situation, or do you have any questions about the services we offer? We’d be happy to discuss this with you. Together, we’ll look at which support best meets your needs.
- Please contact us via: Telephone: 088-1180541 (Monday to Friday, 08.00–17.00) Email: info@rondomergotherapeuten.nl
- Or book an appointment straight away via our appointment scheduler.
Are you unable to come?
Are you unable to attend your appointment? Please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. Send an email to info@rondomergotherapeuten.nl or call 088-118054141. For appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, we will charge €45.00.