frequently asked questions
How is Trailblazer Speech Therapy unique?
I am a small practice, and I am the one providing the services. I create partnerships with my clients and families and work hard to personalize my services around the interests of my clients and to engage in fun and meaningful activities. Family members are encouraged to participate in sessions when possible. Conducting therapy in an accessible and convenient way while also focusing on the WHY behind what we are working on, and helps you understand the importance of what we are working on and how it will have a positive impact on your life.
Who will be conducting the evaluation and therapy?
I will be! After working in the field for almost 30 years, I have learned what works and what doesn't. I started my business so that I could establish professional relationships with my clients and caregivers and use evidence-based methods to provide the best personalized services. Unlike some practices where a certified therapist conducts the evaluation and then hands the case off to an assistant, I bring my extensive experience to provide therapy that is functional and adapted to your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly at this time. I am considered an out-of-network provider. A detailed invoice for insurance reimbursement known as a "superbill" can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. While I do not require a physician referral to begin services, your insurance may require one if you plan to submit for reimbursement. I recommend that you contact your insurance provider directly to know and understand your benefits and out-of-network reimbursement policy. I can provide you with a guide containing questions to ask your insurance provider and diagnostic/treatment codes you may need to reference when navigating this process.
Do you take Medicaid or medicare?
No, not at this time.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for services?
Certainly! I send you invoices and monthly statements that you can use if you need additional documentation.
Why do you only accept private pay clients?
By not billing insurance directly, I am not restricted by insurance company requirements, and I am able to provide individualized evidence-based treatment that is highly customized to meet your needs. I offer sessions at a frequency, length, and location that will allow you to make efficient progress. I emphasize teaching clients and parents what they can do between sessions so more progress is made in a shorter timeframe.
Therapy can be conducted multiple times a week, one time a week, biweekly, or monthly. Recommendations are made during the evaluation and we will discuss what works best for you and your schedule.
You have the Right to Receive a “Good Faith Estimate” Explaining How Much your Medical Care Will Cost, please see below.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
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Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item.
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You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
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For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-965-3059.
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Do you involve parents or caregivers in therapy?
Absolutely! Empowering parents and caregivers so that they know how to help their loved one is an essential part of my services. I encourage parents and family members to participate in therapy so they can learn how to support ongoing practice throughout daily life.
What are the benefits of teletherapy?
Teletherapy offers a convenient way to provide services to your family in the comfort of your home. Teletherapy often improves attendance and participation, leading to effective and efficient progress. Teletherapy also allows more flexibility in scheduling and saves time commuting.
What should I expect during an evaluation?
As part of the intake process, I will send you a questionnaire that asks about current challenges and developmental and medical history. You will also describe your concerns and explain the impact on daily life. Various assessment tools will help create a holistic picture of your or your child's skill levels and areas of need. This information will be analyzed, and you will receive a report summarizing the results and recommendations.
What does ongoing speech therapy look like?
Recommendations will be made about the frequency of therapy based on your or your loved one's skills and needs. Therapy will be tailored to fit each client's needs and interests and will incorporate client and/or parent feedback and participation to facilitate home carryover and generalization. Progress toward goals is monitored each session, and goals are adapted as needed.
How long does therapy take?
Every child's or adult's need for services is different. There are many factors that determine how long someone is in therapy. Some of these factors include the severity of the disorder, carryover of home programming, and caregiver participation in therapy.
Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and concerns.