Michaela Rice

I’m a Licensed Occupational Therapist in California, New York, Georgia, and Florida with 3+ years of outpatient clinical experience, where I’m known for documenting medical necessity and justifying continued care. I evaluate treatment plans with strong clinical judgment, and I write clear, decision-supporting progress reports for insurance authorization. My focus is always on linking measurable functional gains to evidence-based interventions.

In outpatient hand therapy, I conduct comprehensive upper extremity evaluations, including goniometric measurements, strength testing, and functional assessments. I fabricate custom static, dynamic, and static progressive splints for fractures, tendon repairs, nerve injuries, and joint contractures, then tailor splints and therapy phases based on progress, swelling, scar tissue development, and physician feedback. I also provide post-operative care for common hand procedures—flexor/extensor tendon repairs, ORIFs, nerve decompressions, and CMC arthroplasties—while collaborating with referring surgeons to keep rehabilitation on track.

I’m equally committed to compliance and care continuity: I support Medicare & Medicaid and commercial insurance processes, apply HIPAA Compliance, use CPT/ICD-10 coding, and maintain regulatory documentation standards. I educate patients on home exercise programs, post-operative precautions, and splint wear schedules to optimize recovery and outcomes. Across every phase of healing—from protective immobilization to active mobilization and strengthening—I apply critical thinking, quality assurance, and time management to deliver consistent patient-centered results.