Physician Resources for Westchester Referrers
New York State law requires a physician's prescription for physical therapy services for children. This page is here to make writing that prescription quick: the ICD-10 codes we see most often, what to put on the script, and where to send it. Families use the second half of this page to get ready for a first visit.
Codes frequently used for children with low muscle tone and developmental delay.
These are the codes we suggest for the referrals we most often receive. Use whichever code reflects your own findings. If the presentation does not fit any of them, send the script with your working diagnosis and we will contact your office if we need clarification.
M43.6
Torticollis. Typically used for an infant with a persistent head tilt, a preferred direction of rotation, and limited passive range at the neck.
R27.9
Unspecified lack of coordination. Useful where a child is clumsy, falls often or struggles with balance and ball skills, and a more specific diagnosis has not been made.
F82
Specific developmental disorder of motor function. Used where motor skill is clearly below the level expected for age and it is not explained by a general medical or neurological condition.
G80.0
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Used where all four limbs are involved and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy has already been established.
G80.1
Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Used where the lower limbs are predominantly involved and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy has already been established.
The child's name and date of birth, the diagnosis with its ICD-10 code, a referral for physical therapy evaluation and treatment, and your signature and the date. If you want a particular frequency or duration, note it. If you would rather we evaluate and propose a plan, say that instead and we will send our findings back to you.
Fax the prescription to either clinic, or have the family bring it to the evaluation. Call us directly if you want to discuss a child before you refer.
What you need before a first visit in Port Chester or Mt Kisco.
Bring the prescription from your pediatrician and your insurance card. Dress your child in comfortable play clothes, shorts and a tee shirt are ideal, because they will be moving, climbing and playing for most of the session. Please leave outside food and drink at home, since we have families with allergies in the building. Individual treatment sessions are 45 minutes.
If you do not have a prescription yet, that is not a reason to wait to talk to us. Book a free 15 minute consultation first, tell us what you are seeing, and we will tell you honestly whether physical therapy is the right next step. If it is, show your pediatrician the codes above. We ask for 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Wondering what your plan covers? See insurance → Wondering what an evaluation involves? See assessment and plan → Other common questions are answered on the FAQ →
Developmental Steps is a CPSE provider, but not a public Early Intervention provider. Many families here already receive Early Intervention services and come to us alongside them, and many others come because they do not want to wait out an approval process before starting. Call us at (914) 939-6400 →