How It Works
From First Call to Care at Home, Step by Step
Getting pediatric nursing through GAPP takes some paperwork and a state review. We walk you through every stage, handle the heavy lifting, and keep you informed along the way.
Enrolled GAPP Provider
College Park, Georgia
STEP 1
STEP 3
STEP 5
The Basics
What You Are Applying For
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Georgia Medicaid program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), that provides in home skilled nursing and personal care support for medically fragile children ages 0-21.
Your child must be Medicaid eligible, either directly or through the Katie Beckett (TEFRA) pathway, and the need for care must be documented by your child’s physician. Every service needs prior authorization, which is requested through an enrolled GAPP agency like SLB. The state makes the final decision. See the official GAPP policy manual from Georgia Medicaid.
The Timeline
One Clear Path From Call to Care
Every child’s case is different, so we can never promise a date. Here is how the process usually unfolds for the families we work with.
1
Week 1
First Call and Intake
You call, text or send a message. We ask about your child’s diagnosis, daily care needs and Medicaid status, then schedule an intake conversation.
YOU NEED
basic information about your child and your insurance.
WE HANDLE
answering your questions and explaining whether GAPP looks like a fit.
2
Weeks 2 to 3
Orders, Records and the Packet
We request physician orders and medical records from your child’s doctors, then prepare and submit the prior authorization packet to the state.
YOU NEED
to sign consent forms and let your child’s doctor know we will be in touch.
WE HANDLE
collecting documents, following up with offices and assembling the packet.
3
Usually Up to About 30 Days
State Review
Once the packet is complete, the state reviews it and decides how many hours to approve.
YOU NEED
nothing extra unless the reviewer asks for more detail.
WE HANDLE
tracking the request and answering any questions from the reviewer.
4
After Approval
Nurse Matching and Your Schedule
After approval, we match your child with a licensed RN or LPN and you help choose. Together we set a schedule built around the approved hours.
YOU NEED
to meet the nurse and share your family routines.
WE HANDLE
staffing, orientation and coordination.
5
30 to 60 Days
Care Starts at Home
Your nurse begins shifts and follows the care plan from your child’s physician. Most families start care about 30 to 60 days after the first call.
Shared Work
What Your Family Does and What SLB Handles
Most of the paperwork sits with us. Your part is mostly signatures, conversations and knowing your child best. You will always know who to contact, and you can ask us for a status update at any stage.
SLB Handles
Paperwork and Submission
We prepare the GAPP prior authorization packet, submit it and follow up until a decision comes back.
Doctor Coordination
We contact your child’s physician for orders and records so you are not chasing offices by phone.
Nurse Matching
If the fit is not right, you can ask for a different nurse at any time.
Your Family
Your Role at Home
You share routines, preferences and changes in your child’s health so the care plan stays accurate.
If Things Change
If a Request Is Denied or Reduced
Sometimes the state approves fewer hours than requested, or denies a request. That is not always the end of the road. We review the decision with you, explain the reason given, and help you gather the extra medical detail needed for an appeal or a new request.
Approved hours are also reviewed and reauthorized periodically. If your child’s needs grow, for example after a hospital stay or a new piece of equipment, we can help you request an update.
Living With Care
Schedules, School and Family Plans
Life does not stay still, and your care schedule should not either. We coordinate day, evening, overnight and respite shifts within your approved hours, and you can ask to adjust times when work or appointments change.
Care can often continue at school or daycare, and we plan coverage around vacations and travel when you give us notice. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Outside those hours you can use our 24/7 online support through the web form and messages, and we reply when the office opens.
In an Emergency
If your child is having a medical emergency, call 911. For questions about treatment or medication, talk to your child’s doctor.
Common Questions
Questions About the Process
Does GAPP care cost my family anything?
There is no out of pocket cost for approved hours when approved by Georgia Medicaid. Hours beyond what the state approves are not covered by GAPP.
We have private insurance. Can we still apply?
Yes. Children with private insurance can still apply, and Medicaid can act as secondary coverage.
How many hours will my child be approved for?
The state sets hours based on the medical need your child’s physician documents, so there is no standard number. Detailed records about nights, equipment, medications and how often your child needs hands on care help the reviewer see the full picture. We will tell you what the doctor’s notes should cover before the packet goes in.
Why can the process take longer for some families?
The most common delays come from missing records or physician orders. A packet is only reviewed once it is complete, which is why we follow up with doctors’ offices for you.
What if our nurse is sick or cannot make a shift?
Tell us as soon as you know about a gap. We work to arrange coverage from our team of licensed nurses, and we keep you informed about who is coming and when.
Can we switch to SLB if we already have a GAPP agency?
Yes. Families choose their GAPP provider and may switch agencies. See our guide to switching GAPP providers.
What kind of care can a GAPP nurse provide?
Skilled nursing covers tasks like trach and ventilator care, G tube feeding, medications and seizure monitoring. Personal care support covers bathing, feeding help, mobility and supervision. Learn more about our services.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Fulton, Clayton, DeKalb and Fayette counties, including College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Union City, Fairburn and Atlanta, and families statewide through GAPP.
How do I start?
Call 404-905-8332, text the same number, email admin@slbinhomecare.org, or use our contact form. Our office is at 4751 Best Road, Suite #309, College Park, GA 30337.
Get Started Today
Ready to Take the First Step?
Tell us about your child and we will explain what the next few weeks could look like for your family.