iPhysicalTherapy.com – Call us: 866-782-6258

Question of Reimbursement for Fitness and Wellness Interventions in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS

May 16, 2012

Share:

Question

Did you have any trouble with reimbursement for fitness and wellness interventions to assist the child in participating in wrestling? 

Answer

I think it all comes down to how things were worded.  When we were targeting wrestling, this was what the child targeted as his ultimate goal.  It might be kind of similar to an adult who has had a total joint replacement who wants to get back to golfing.  We identified that as the child's goal, the components of that, and were able to show some progress towards that.  In terms of reimbursement specifically for fitness and wellness without the existence of other impairments, I have not been in a practice setting where that was permissible.  I incorporate things into my regular care plan.  Part of my week, each week, I spend in direct care in an outpatient setting.  Even for my children who are not independently ambulatory with CP, I incorporate some of these concepts with them, looking at agility, looking at their anaerobic function.  Just anecdotally, again I do not have the evidence to support it, but I am seeing some improvements in my children in terms of their function and their ability to sustain activity.

 


lisa kenyon

Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS

Dr. Kenyon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Dr. Kenyon heads the Grand Valley Power Mobility Project, an inter-professional research, and service project that provides power mobility training for children and young adults who are not typically considered to be candidates for power mobility use.  Dr. Kenyon presents nationally and internationally on topics related to pediatric physical therapist practice and has published multiple journal articles and book chapters pertaining to topics in pediatrics.  Dr. Kenyon currently serves on the Committee of Content Experts for the Pediatric Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.


Related Courses

QiKIDS™ - Qigong for Pediatrics
Presented by Amy M. Starkey, COTA/L, CTP-E, CYMHS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Amy M. Starkey, COTA/L, CTP-E, CYMHS
Course: #4866Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The information was easy to follow and was a good basic introduction to this topic/modality'   Read Reviews
In “QiKids: Qigong for Pediatrics”, participants will learn gentle, effective mind & body-based movements, breaths and acupressure points proven to decrease stress, calm anxiety, improve mental focus, boost immune system function, and build resiliency. Qigong is the perfect therapeutic movement exercise for both clinicians and clients wanting to create a regular mindfulness practice that supports mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.

Using Adult Learning Theory to Enhance Coaching Practice and Parental Self-Efficacy
Presented by Rhonda Mattingly, Ed.D, CCC-SLP, Pam Smithy, MS, OTR/L
Live WebinarFri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST

Presenters

Rhonda Mattingly, Ed.D, CCC-SLPPam Smithy, MS, OTR/L
Course: #5384Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course explores how adult learning theory can be applied to enhance coaching practices that strengthen parental self-efficacy across therapy disciplines. The course discusses key indicators of parental self-efficacy, examines cross-disciplinary coaching strategies, and applies evidence-based practices to empower parents in supporting their child’s development.

Early Detection Of Cerebral Palsy: Best Practices And The Role Of Therapy Providers
Presented by Maria Baldino, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCP, Lindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS
Live WebinarFri, Feb 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST

Presenters

Maria Baldino, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPLindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS
Course: #5385Level: Introductory1 Hour
This course will introduce the current best practices in the early detection, diagnosis, and intervention of cerebral palsy. Participants will explore therapists' critical role in identifying early signs, supporting clinical pathways, and guiding families through the process.

Impact of Motor Learning For The Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presented by Mariah Woody, OTR/L, Lisa Roehl, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy
Recorded Webinar

Presenters

Mariah Woody, OTR/LLisa Roehl, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy
Course: #3870Level: Advanced4 Hours
  'Great use of videos'   Read Reviews
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with continued Master Class. Children with ASD face challenges as they form the motor programs that serve as the basis for daily life and play. This interdisciplinary course series will expand upon the theory of praxis and the child’s ability to adaptively respond to their environment in a way that is meaningful and efficient. Through practical and clinical demonstrations, the learner will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of motor learning for the child with ASD. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

Supporting Respiratory Equipment on Wheelchair Bases
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #4894Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'informative and clear'   Read Reviews
Many people who require respiratory equipment, such as oxygen and ventilators, use a wheeled mobility base. This course will address how to support respiratory equipment on an adaptive stroller, manual wheelchair, or power wheelchair safely and as a part of a team.