Welcome to The Amplify OT Podcast with your host, Clarice Grote—occupational therapist, founder of Amplify OT, and self-proclaimed policy nerd who actually enjoys reading the long documents most people avoid.

No matter where you are in your occupational therapy journey, you belong here as an important part of this community. The work you do matters. Your voice matters. And advocacy isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Let’s get started—because change starts here.

View all Amplify OT Podcast episodes at podcast.amplifyot.com

Find where to listen to the Amplify OT Podcast at podcast.amplifyot.com/listen

_____________________________________

You’re not alone—and that’s why the Amplify OT Learning Platform exists. Designed by an OT for OTs and OTAs, this on-demand resource hub helps you finally understand the “why” behind the rules so you can advocate confidently, bill accurately, and stop second-guessing your documentation.

✨ What you get:

✔ Self-paced courses on Medicare, billing, and advocacy

✔ Real-world examples and easy-to-digest lessons

✔ CEU opportunities to boost your skills and confidence

✔ Support from a community that gets it

Ready to take the guesswork out of OT policy? Join today and amplify your knowledge, your confidence, and your impact.

👉 Click here to learn more and get started!

_____________________________________

I see many people making the mistake of using the terms hospice and palliative care interchangeably; however, they have distinct differences. I wanted to take some time today to break down those differences, explore OT’s unique role in each setting, and share my tips and personal stories to help practitioners navigate these challenging but rewarding settings. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about hospice vs. palliative care.

In this episode, I cover:

• The key differences between hospice and palliative care: life-prolonging treatments, eligibility requirements, and the requirement of a DNR (do not resuscitate).
• How hospice and palliative care are paid for (including Medicare coverage and payment models).
• What the goals and interventions of OT look like in each of these settings.
• Practical tips for having tough conversations about end-of-life care and facilitating patient-centered care during some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com to check ‘em out!

_____________________________________

Looking for CEUs? Save with MedBridge!

Whether you’re a student or practicing clinician, MedBridge has a CEU plan for you—with hundreds of evidence-based courses, clinical resources, and tools to support your OT practice.

Amplify OT listeners can save:

• $101 off individual plans with code AmplifyOT → View...

Welcome to The Amplify OT Podcast with your host, Clarice Grote—occupational therapist, founder of Amplify OT, and self-proclaimed policy nerd who actually enjoys reading the long documents most people avoid.

No matter where you are in your occupational therapy journey, you belong here as an important part of this community. The work you do matters. Your voice matters. And advocacy isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Let’s get started—because change starts here.

View all Amplify OT Podcast episodes at podcast.amplifyot.com

Find where to listen to the Amplify OT Podcast at podcast.amplifyot.com/listen

_____________________________________

You’re not alone—and that’s why the Amplify OT Learning Platform exists. Designed by an OT for OTs and OTAs, this on-demand resource hub helps you finally understand the “why” behind the rules so you can advocate confidently, bill accurately, and stop second-guessing your documentation.

✨ What you get:

✔ Self-paced courses on Medicare, billing, and advocacy

✔ Real-world examples and easy-to-digest lessons

✔ CEU opportunities to boost your skills and confidence

✔ Support from a community that gets it

Ready to take the guesswork out of OT policy? Join today and amplify your knowledge, your confidence, and your impact.

👉 Click here to learn more and get started!

_____________________________________

Providing OT in the home or doing mobile outpatient has become so much more popular in the last few years, especially for individuals who are branching out into their own private practices. But if you’re working for one of these companies or considering starting your own, it’s important to understand the differences in billing and scope of practice between the two, as it greatly impacts patient care and reimbursement. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about home health OT vs OT in the home: key differences in billing and practice!

In this episode, I cover:

• The fundamental differences between home health (Medicare Part A, provided by home health agencies) and OT in the home (mobile outpatient, typically billed under Medicare Part B).
• Key eligibility and admission criteria for each setting, including what “homebound status” really means.
• How billing and reimbursement work, from value-based and bundled payments (PDGM for home health) to fee-for-service, timed codes, and considerations for cash-pay.
• The critical role of “qualifying services,” why OT isn’t currently considered qualifying under Medicare Part A, and important advocacy efforts to change this.
• Scope of OT practice in each setting—why home modifications and specialized services are more prevalent in mobile outpatient, and why home health tends to be more generalist due to payment structure.

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com to check ‘em out!

_____________________________________

Looking for CEUs? Save with MedBridge!

Whether you’re a...

As occupational therapists, our primary goal is to help and be in service of others. But to do that, we often undervalue our services, leaving us underpaid, undervalued, and on the road to burnout. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Doug Vestal joins me on the podcast today to talk about all things financial freedom for occupational therapists. While he is not an OT himself, he has been a pivotal figure in the OT community, especially in advocating for financial literacy. Doug shares his expert knowledge today as we discuss how understanding policies, creating financial security, and managing a private pay practice can transform the way practitioners approach both their personal and professional lives. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about financial freedom for OTs!

You’re not alone—and that’s why the Amplify OT Learning Platform exists. Designed by an OT for OTs and OTAs, this on-demand resource hub helps you finally understand the “why” behind the rules so you can advocate confidently, bill accurately, and stop second-guessing your documentation.

✨ What you get:

✔ Self-paced courses on Medicare, billing, and advocacy

✔ Real-world examples and easy-to-digest lessons

✔ CEU opportunities to boost your skills and confidence

✔ Support from a community that gets it

Ready to take the guesswork out of OT policy? Join today and amplify your knowledge, your confidence, and your impact.

👉 Click here to learn more and get started!

In this episode, Doug and I cover:

• How Doug’s book, Financial Freedom for OTs, differs from traditional wealth-building resources.
• The importance of financial freedom in creating choices for your life.
• Insights into loan repayment programs and their influence on career choices.
• Understanding the business side of healthcare and how insurance impacts OT salaries.
• The significance of valuing your services and setting appropriate fees.
• How OTs can focus on meaningful occupations while building economically sustainable practices.

Tune in for a conversation that challenges the conventional narrative around healthcare finances and offers practical solutions for building a thriving OT practice. Whether you're interested in private practice or simply looking to take control of your personal finances, this episode offers valuable insights for every OT professional.

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!

CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!

CONNECT WITH DOUG VESTAL:

• Freedom of Practice

The start of 2025 has had a lot in store for us as we navigate a new congress, a new presidential administration, and all that is being proposed as a result of these individuals settling into their new positions. This week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am helping you stay informed and navigate the whirlwind of changes and updates from the federal government.

You’re not alone—and that’s why the Amplify OT Learning Platform exists. Designed by an OT for OTs, this on-demand resource hub helps you finally understand the “why” behind the rules so you can advocate confidently, bill accurately, and stop second-guessing your documentation.

✨ What you get:

✔ Self-paced courses on Medicare, billing, and advocacy

✔ Real-world examples and easy-to-digest lessons

✔ CEU opportunities to boost your skills and confidence

✔ Support from a community that gets it

Ready to take the guesswork out of OT policy? Join today and amplify your knowledge, your confidence, and your impact.

👉 Click here to learn more and get started!

In this episode, I cover:

• The effects of President Trump’s “anti-DEI” executive orders on occupational therapy and the broader healthcare system.
• RFK Jr. was officially appointed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), leaving people speculating on what this means for vaccinations.
• The broader implications that are surfacing as a result of Elon Musk being appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
• Additional policies in the works in Congress and what it means if they are to be passed.

In the midst of the overwhelming amount of updates that came out of the first couple of months of 2025, my message to you is this: Pay attention, be involved, and become a member of AOTA. This is a fantastic way to advocate, even if you don’t have the bandwidth to do something specifically on your own.

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!

CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• AOTA Inspire Philadelphia, PA (Be sure to come visit me at booth #208!)
• AmplifyOT.com/shop
• 2nd Annual Amplify Therapy Summit July 30- August 2, 2025
• NPR Politics Podcast
• The Daily Podcast by The New York Times
• What the Health Podcast

With the closing of another year and looking ahead to a new Congress as well as a new presidential term, we can expect to see quite a few changes in healthcare policy. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast and my final episode of 2024, I am talking about healthcare changes for 2025!

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Collective at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy. Student plans are now available!

In this episode, I cover:

• Updates to the podcast, Amplify OT Collective, and learning platform.
• With Donald Trump winning the election, Republicans will control the House and the Senate, making it significantly easier to pass legislation.
• What Trump’s cabinet appointments mean for the future of occupational therapy.
• With a new year of Congress, anything that has been waiting to be passed will have to be re-introduced; this comes with its own set of implications, especially with Telehealth.
• Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Medicare Part B will allow general instead of direct supervision for OTA.
• Caregiver codes under the Medicare Part B schedule have been expanded to include three additional codes.
• Other Medicare Part B updates that will help reduce administrative burden and change the valuation of CPT codes, as well as a brief update to home health.

Thanks for listening! As a reminder, I will be putting the podcast on pause for the months of December 2024 and January 2025 to bring exciting new things to the Amplify OT Collective. In the meantime, be sure to follow this podcast so you don’t miss it when I come back in February! And be sure to rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT, head to https://amplifyot.com/

Have a question or just want to say hello? Call or text +1 (919)-341-9289 to have your questions answered on the podcast! *Message and Data Rates May Apply

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!

CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

• Website
• Services
• Free Newsletter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• TikTok

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Sign up for the LIVE Webinar on...

The 2024 presidential election is upon us, and while healthcare plays an important role in every election cycle, this year’s election has a huge emphasis on healthcare and access to healthcare services. This, as we know, doesn’t just impact us as individuals but has an impact on our profession as a whole. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am breaking down the 2024 election, covering each candidate’s platform in regards to the Affordable Care Act, ACA subsidies, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing any particular candidate on this podcast. This episode is meant to serve as an educational tool, as though I am from the party of occupational therapy, with a bias only about what is best for our profession as a whole.

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Collective at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.

KFF Comparison of Candidates Actions and Platforms on Health Policy

Note: This article is used as a reference for many of the sections below especially for Medicaid, LGBTQ, and Mental Health information.

• Kamala Harris’ Platform
• Donald Trump’s Platform
• 2024 GOP Platform
• 2022 Election Demographics:

• Kamala Harris Tweet/Video Referenced
• Donald Trump Tweet Referenced
• Fact Check Graham-Cassidy Bill and Pre-existing Condition Coverage

• 2024 Marketplace Subsidies
• State-Based insurance premiums
• KFF Inflation Reduction Act Health Insurance Subsidies: What is Their Impact and What Would Happen if They Expire?

While many programs appear too good to be true, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) programs are the real deal. Courtney Barr joins me on the podcast as we dive into the transformative impact of these patient-centered, collaborative care programs. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about patient-centered care in action!

Join the Amplify OT Membership

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Membership at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a PACE program is, who it helps, how eligibility and services are determined, and how many of these programs currently exist in the U.S.
• Where funding for PACE programs comes from and how compensation for practitioners is billed.
• The PACE program's patient-first model reduces administrative barriers, allowing the care team to work together and focus on patient needs first and foremost.
• Advice for practitioners looking to pursue a role in a PACE program.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Have a question or just want to say hello? Call or text +1 (919)-341-9289 to have your questions answered on the podcast! *Message and Data Rates May Apply

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!

CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

• Website
• Services
• Free Newsletter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• TikTok

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• National PACE Association
• Mastering Medicare Episode 25: PACE Program Deep Dive

©Amplify OT

As clinicians, it is our job to find the balance between operating in a legal, ethical, and professional manner while always keeping the client’s well-being a top priority. As you may have experienced, these things don’t always line up and we find ourselves navigating incredibly difficult situations. We can be so quick to point out abuse from other professions, family members, etc. but can be hesitant to call out abuse when it comes to our colleagues, bosses, or other practitioners. But if we want to continue to strengthen our profession from within, it is our responsibility to recognize and address these red flags of fraudulent or unethical behavior, regardless of the consequences we may face. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about addressing fraud and upholding the professional integrity of OTs.

Join the Amplify OT Membership

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Membership at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.

Disclaimer: In this episode, I am sharing opinions on behalf of myself, Clarice Grote. I am not speaking on behalf of any other leadership roles I may have or organizations I am involved with.

In this episode, I cover:

• Fraud is fraud; it’s not ok to pick and choose who we decide to report and who we turn a blind eye to.
• Red flags for identifying fraud, inaccuracies, or unethical behavior within the profession.
• Follow your gut, seek support, and investigate further with policies when something doesn’t feel right.
• Resources and strategies for addressing fraud and abuse in healthcare.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Have a question or just want to say hello? Call or text +1 (919)-341-9289 to have your questions answered on the podcast! *Message and Data Rates May Apply

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!

CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

• Website
• Services
• Free Newsletter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• TikTok

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Ep 56: