Starting Speech Services
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
Speech therapy services begin first by obtaining a referral from your child's pediatrician for "Speech Evaluation & Treatment." Some insurances also require an audiogram (hearing test) for approval.
2. Schedule an Evaluation
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
Schedule an appointment with the speech therapist's office for evaluation to determine if your child needs therapy.
3. Speech Evaluation
1. Doctor's Referral & Audiogram
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
The speech evaluation will determine whether or not your child has difficulty understanding, speaking, producing certain sounds, asking/answering questions, socializing, and/or communicating effectively.
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
Child's pediatrician then looks over the evaluation, adds their signature, and sends to insurance company for approval.
5. Insurance Approval
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
5. Insurance Approval
The insurance company then approves speech therapy for your child and determines how many speech sessions and for how long.
6. Pack Your Patience
4. Evaluation is sent to your child's Doctor.
5. Insurance Approval
This process can be very quick or a bit lengthy. It typically takes 7-10 days or longer for services to start. Clear lines of communication however between the speech therapists office and the doctor's office are key.