Information about Speech Referrals:
Information about Hearing Referrals:
General Information Concerning Fees
How do I enroll in speech/language therapy? The first step is a comprehensive speech and language evaluation. How long will the evaluation take? Between 1½-2 hours depending on the nature of the problem. What will happen in the evaluation? We will address all areas of speech and language in the evaluation. In most cases, it will include a hearing screening, a brief structural and functional examination of the speech mechanism, and assessment of articulation, receptive and expressive language, voice and fluency. Your specific concerns will determine which procedures are used and how much time is spent in each area. Can my child be evaluated if he/she cannot talk? Yes, much communication can go on in the absence of speech. Babies communicate even before they start talking using eye gaze, gestures, and vocalizations to get their message across. Your child’s ability to use these types of nonverbal behaviors can be assessed through observational methods and by using parent report and interview information. What if a speech/language evaluation has been completed at another facility? You will still need to complete the required case history information. In addition, you will need to give us copies of all the previous testing that has been completed. After we have reviewed the results of the testing, we will determine if there is enough information to set up an appropriate intervention program without doing additional testing. When will I get the results of the evaluation? You will get a brief statement of the results immediately following the diagnostic session. However, we do not give a lot of information at this time because we haven't had time to score the tests. About two weeks after the evaluation has been completed, you will receive a copy of the evaluation report in which all test results and recommendations will be discussed. If you have questions or need additional explanation, a conference with the Speech-Language Pathologist can be scheduled. How much does the evaluation cost? It costs $200.00 and includes the evaluation and report. What is the cost of treatment? Treatment is 50.00 per half hour (individual) and 42.50 per half hour (group therapy). Typically, treatment is scheduled two days a week for thirty-minute sessions. Is a physician’s referral necessary? No, not unless it is required by your insurance. We accept referrals from any source, including self-referrals, physicians, dentists, early interventionists, occupational and physical therapists, teachers, audiologists, etc. Will my insurance pay for the evaluation and treatment? Evaluations are covered under most policies. However, coverage for treatment depends on the nature of the problem and your specific policy. We are providers for several insurance companies and are happy to file your claim. However, availability of services is not dependent upon ability to pay. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Who will perform my hearing evaluation? An audiologist will perform your evaluation. Audiologists are highly trained professionals who hold graduate degrees from accredited universities. Our audiologists are licensed by the state of Virginia and have completed externships and national competency examinations. Audiologists are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. Our audiologists provide services at the Center as well as in several educational settings. What types of things are included in a hearing evaluation? The evaluation will include any and all necessary procedures to determine a thorough history of hearing loss, determine auditory sensitivity and speech recognition capabilities, determine the type of hearing loss, make recommendations for referral to a physician, make referrals to other professionals or agencies, and determine whether you are candidate for amplification devices. How do I start to process to get a hearing aid ordered ? You will need to contact the Center to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Following this evaluation, the audiologists will establish a treatment plan and make recommendations for specific amplification devices. Our Centers participate with several hearing aid financial assistance programs such as AUDIENT, Hear Now, and The Lions Club Hearing Bank Program. How can infants and young children be evaluated for hearing? Our Center is proud to be recognized as an approved diagnostic audiological assessment site for the state of Virginia. We are also listed with the state of Tennessee as a site for newborn hearing diagnostics. Our Center offers state of the art equipment including ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) and OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) that allows comprehensive hearing assessment for infants and children of any age. In addition, our Audiology staff is experienced in working with children. There is nothing about testing infants and young children that is painful or invasive. How much does a hearing evaluation cost? Fees start at $75.00 including the evaluation and report. The cost is determined by what audiological test procedures are needed to best diagnose your specific hearing problem. Is a physician’s referral necessary? Not unless it is required by your insurance. We accept referrals from any source, including self-referrals, physicians, early interventionists, educators, speech/language pathologists, etc. Those with Medicaid/Medicare should be prepared to bring or fax a physician’s referral. Will my insurance pay for the evaluation? Hearing evaluations are covered under most policies. However, coverage for hearing aids depends on your specific policy. We are providers for several insurance companies and are happy to file your claim. We do accept UMWA (through American Hearing Benefits) and Aetna for hearing aid purchases. What are your policies on paying for hearing aids? A down payment of 1/3 the total of the hearing aid is required at the time of the fitting. Payment arrangements for the remaining 2/3 of the hearing will be arranged through our billing department.
General Information Concerning Fees: We do charge fees for our services, so most should be prepared to make payment at the time of services. If your fees are to be paid by an agency, you may not need to be concerned about the fee. Remember, the availability of services is not dependent upon ability to pay. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Please contact the Center for details. Please bring a copy of all insurance cards with you on the day of your appointment. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company first to see if speech and/or hearing services are covered. We do accept VISA and MASTERCARD for fees greater than $35.00. |
