Frequenty Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child needs a speech/language evaluation?
- What will happen during the initial evaluation?
- Will I receive a written report of the evaluation?
- What happens if my child needs therapy services?
- What can we expect during therapy?
- Should I attend each therapy session with my child?
- How long will my child need to receive therapy?
- Who will my child see for speech/language therapy?
- What kind of education/training is required to become a speech-language pathologist?
- Will insurance pay for speech/language services?
- What types of insurance do you accept?
1. How do I know if my child needs a speech/language evaluation?
You may want to have your child evaluated if..
- You suspect that your child may not be speaking as much as other children his age.
- Your child has difficulty following directions.
- Your child has difficulty answering questions and/or responding appropriately when others talk to him.
- Your child is difficult to understand.
- Your child is having difficulty with language based activities in school.
- Your child becomes frustrated or "acts out" when he is not understood.
We recommend an evaluation if you have any concerns.
2. What will happen during the initial evaluation?
A licensed speech-language pathologist will conduct a comprehensive communication assessment that assesses receptive and expressive language, articulation, voice, fluency and oral motor functioning. At the conclusion of the
evaluation the examiner will review the results and make recommendations.
3. Will I receive a written report of the evaluation?
Following the evaluation, the examiner will prepare a written report and send it to you in the mail.
4. What happens if my child needs therapy services?
The speech-language pathologist will make recommendations for therapy including the frequency (number of sessions per week) and time (amount of time per session). These recommendations will include short term goals for therapy. All of this information will be given to your pediatrician for approval then submitted to your insurance company for authorization for therapy. Once we receive authorization from your insurance company, we will contact you to schedule therapy. Therapy appointments are typically scheduled for the same days and times every week.
5. What can we expect during therapy?
The speech-language pathologist will begin each therapy session on time and will work with your child in a fun, productive manner to address therapy goals. At the end of each session, the therapist will review the session with you and provide you with strategies to practice at home.
6. Should I attend each therapy session with my child?
You are not required to sit in on every session; however, we encourage families to participate in therapy sessions so that they may incorporate strategies used in therapy into every day activities.
7. How long will my child need to receive therapy?
There is no specific time frame for therapy, as each case is treated individually and each child responds differently to therapy. Therapeutic assessment of skills is ongoing and formal re-evaluations are completed every six months. The speech- language pathologist will discontinue services once goals are met and/or formal assessment indicates that skills are within the average range. Therapy is most effective when the family participates in the process.
8. Who will my child see for speech/language therapy?
All of our therapists are well qualified and licensed by the state. You child will be seen by a therapist who can best accommodate your schedule. It is important to us that you have a schedule that works for you because attendance in therapy is very important.
9. What kind of education/training is required to become a speech-language pathologist?
In order to become a licensed speech-language pathologist, one must have at least a Masters level education. In addition to being licensed by the state, the individual must obtain a certificate of clinical competence (CCC) from the Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ASHA). The certificate of clinical competence is awarded once a "Clinical Fellowship" is completed. During the clinical fellowship the individual receives supervision and guidance from a licensed and certified speech language pathologist.
10. Will insurance pay for speech/language services?
Yes. Insurance will often cover services.
11. What types of insurance do you accept?
Beth Ingram Therapy Services are providers for the following insurances:
Commercial
- BCBS Blue Otions (HMO) ONLY
- Humana (ALL plans HMO, EPO, Medicare)
- Tricare
- Aetna
- First Health/ Beechstreet
- Wellcare (Commercial/ Medicare Plans)
Medicaid
- Staywell/ Healthease
- Amerigroup
- Medipass/ Straight Medicaid
Healthy Kids
- Amerigroup
- Staywell/ Healthease
CMS Children's Medical Services
Vocational Rehabilitation
Early Steps
We will verify any plans we are not providers for. We will file on the patient's behalf, but they will need to pay privately.
We are continually adding providers to our growing business, so please feel free to ask if we are providers for your insurance.