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REFERRAL PROCESS AND FUNDING
The American Speech Language Hearing Association (www.asha.org) has deemed Speech Language Pathology an autonomous profession. This means you or anyone can self-refer. There are no gate-keepers to deal with. We do not require a physician order or insurance approval to provide assessments or therapy. However, in many diagnoses it is essential to coordinate with your physician; and as a routine practice, we may ask for physician oversight and a prescription can be obtained as needed. Many insurers require physician oversight as well. Be sure to check your benefits and the necessary procedures by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
For optimal care with our experts: be sure you seek an independent evaluation. Let ADVANCE SPEECH be your expert of choice. Speak up and name your preference to your insurance plan, to your referral source (who may or may not be your physician), to your benefits coordinator. There are a variety of funding options which will give you complete freedom to access care with any provider you choose. The funding options may include one or more of the following: credit card, cash, payment plan or reduced rate packages (please allow us to put together a proposal for you),
medical savings account reimbursement, Care Card, and more.
You may find it convenient to access the Care Card Application for medical expenses. This provides you with a convenient way to keep track of all medical expenses for end-of year summaries, reporting for taxes, and medical savings accounts, etc. Self-pay= Freedom of choice and options to choose from.
Many employers include a Health Advocate service in your insurance plan. These are professionals who are there to walk you through the insurance claim process-including any needed appeals, and in some cases they do the appeal paperwork for you if you supply the appropriate information. Be sure to check out your benefits. In the case of a denial, be sure you communicate your disappointment in the coverage limits of your insurance plan to your HR or benefits coordinator so they can make changes to the policy at renewal time. This will give you better options in the coming benefits year.
When to Refer
Anytime you or a loved one is frustrated, embarrassed or concerned by the inability to communicate or swallow effectively, advice should be sought from an expert Speech/Language Pathologist. Ask questions and keep asking until you receive answers which satisfy you. Concern does not always mean there is a problem, but due to the interactive and dynamic natures of communication skills, swallowing skills and a person's social and emotional well-being you cannot afford to wait.
San Diego and La Jolla speech therapy -- CALL (619) 840-7872 -- for children and adults speech therapy, accent reduction, language and speaking training
-- speech therapist located in La Jolla.
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