They are educated in a number of specialties, including gerontological nursing. Medicare will help pay for services performed under the supervision of a doctor. They also assist physicians and registered nurses. They increase or restore independence in feeding, bathing, dressing, homemaking, and social experiences through specialized activities designed to improve function. Occupational therapy services are paid by Medicare if the patient is in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility or is receiving home health care.
Coverage is also available for services provided in physicians' offices or to hospital outpatients.
O.T.'s have either a bachelor's or master's degree with special training in occupational therapy. All P.T.'s complete a bachelor's degree and some receive further postgraduate training. Patients are usually referred to a physical therapist by a doctor, and Medicare pays some of the costs of outpatient treatments. Physical therapy performed in a hospital or skilled nursing facility is covered by Medicare. Speech-language pathologists are concerned with speech and language problems.