Provider types

Information to look for on provider websites and directories

• •ZIP code, city, county or Virginia region
• •Service type
• •Child, adolescent or adult services
• •In-home, office, community-based or virtual services
• •Medicaid or DD Waiver participation
• •Private insurance accepted
• •Private pay
• •Languages offered
• •Evening or weekend services
• •Transportation offered
• •Accessibility accommodations

Search tools differ by website. These are useful details to look for when an external directory offers them; BridgeAbility does not control another website’s filters or availability information.

Every listing shows only publicly verifiable information

• ✓Provider or organization name
• ✓Provider type
• ✓Services offered
• ✓Ages served
• ✓Geographic service area
• ✓Office, home, community or virtual service options
• ✓Insurance, Medicaid or waiver participation, if verified
• ✓Languages and accessibility accommodations, if verified
• ✓Phone number
• ✓Website
• ✓Address, when publicly listed
• ✓License or credential verification link, when applicable
• ✓Source of the information
• ✓“Information last verified” date

1. 1Confirm the provider's current Virginia license when one is required.
2. 2Verify BCBA, BCaBA or RBT certification for ABA personnel.
3. 3Ask who will supervise direct-care staff and how often.
4. 4Confirm whether services are appropriate for the person's age, diagnosis, communication method and support needs.
5. 5Ask about experience with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, challenging behavior and complex support needs, when relevant.
6. 6Ask whether the provider uses restraint, seclusion or restrictive practices and under what circumstances.
7. 7Ask how families participate in goals and service planning.
8. 8Request a written explanation of services, rates, cancellation policies and additional fees.
9. 9Confirm Medicaid, waiver or insurance participation directly with both the provider and the health plan.
10. 10Ask whether there is a waiting list and how the list is managed.
11. 11Request and check references when hiring an individual caregiver.
12. 12Confirm identity, training, CPR or first-aid credentials and driving qualifications when relevant.
13. 13Ask what background checks were completed, by whom and when.
14. 14Never assume that a profile badge or platform screening replaces the family's own verification.
15. 15Trust safety concerns and report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or professional misconduct to the appropriate authority.

Questions to Ask an ABA Provider

1. 1.Who conducts the assessment and develops the treatment plan?
2. 2.Is that person currently licensed in Virginia and BACB-certified?
3. 3.Who will work directly with my child or family member?
4. 4.How are technicians trained and supervised?
5. 5.How often will the supervising behavior analyst observe services?
6. 6.How are goals selected, and will the individual and family help choose them?
7. 7.How do you support communication, autonomy, consent and assent?
8. 8.How do you respond when the individual communicates “no,” distress or the need for a break?
9. 9.How do you avoid goals based solely on appearing less autistic?
10. 10.How are progress, adverse events and complaints documented?
11. 11.What happens when a strategy is not working?

Questions to Ask a Caregiver or Attendant

1. 1.What relevant experience and training do you have?
2. 2.Are you comfortable supporting communication, personal care, medication routines or behavior needs relevant to this position?
3. 3.What tasks will and will not be included?
4. 4.What background and reference checks have been completed?
5. 5.Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
6. 6.Do you have a valid driver’s license and appropriate insurance if transportation is required?
7. 7.How will emergencies, injuries, missed shifts and changes in condition be handled?
8. 8.Who provides backup coverage?
9. 9.How will privacy, dignity, boundaries and confidential information be protected?
10. 10.Can we begin with a supervised meeting or trial period?

Before beginning services, ask

1. 1.Is the provider currently in network for the member's exact insurance or Cardinal Care plan?
2. 2.Is this specific service covered?
3. 3.Is a referral, assessment, diagnosis or prior authorization required?
4. 4.Are there limits on hours, visits, location or provider type?
5. 5.Will services be covered at home, in the community, by telehealth or only in an office?
6. 6.What copay, deductible, coinsurance or private-pay charges may apply?
7. 7.Is there a waiting list?
8. 8.What happens if authorization expires or coverage is denied?
9. 9.Will the provider submit claims and authorization requests, or must the family do so?
10. 10.Can the provider give the family a written cost estimate before services begin?

For Medicaid members, understand the difference between

• Medicaid health-plan benefits

  General medical benefits covered through the member’s Cardinal Care managed-care plan.

• DD Waiver-funded services

  Home- and community-based services funded through Virginia’s Developmental Disability waivers.

• EPSDT benefits (under age 21)

  Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment benefits for members under age 21.

• Services requiring authorization

  Services that may require prior authorization through a managed-care plan or another Virginia agency.

Useful links

• Virginia Medicaid’s provider search
• Cardinal Care managed-care plan directories & member services
• Virginia’s DD Waiver information (DMAS)
• Virginia SCC Bureau of Insurance consumer assistance

• ✓BridgeAbility does not use AI to invent, summarize or infer credentials.
• ✓Provider-submitted claims are not automatically published; human approval is required before adding or materially changing a listing.
• ✓Every factual claim requires a source URL.
• ✓Records are flagged for review at least every six months.
• ✓Listings that have not been recently verified are automatically labeled: “This information has not been recently verified. Contact the provider directly.”
• ✓A “Report outdated or incorrect information” button is available on every listing.
• ✓Providers may request corrections but cannot remove accurate public licensing or disciplinary information simply because it is unfavorable.
• ✓BridgeAbility does not collect sensitive medical information in the provider search.