Nolan Speech & Language Center’s Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Nolan Speech & Language Center.  This document contains important information about our professional services and business policies.  It also reminds you of your opportunity to obtain and read a copy of policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and patient’s rights with regard to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) used for purpose of payment, treatment, and health care operations.  HIPAA requires that you be provided with a Notice of Privacy Policies at your request.
 

SERVICES

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES

Speech and language therapy is the treatment of communication disorder or delays.  Communication disorders/delays include speech (articulation, intonation, rate, intensity, voice, resonance, fluency), language (including reading and writing), and non-verbal communication such as facial expression, posture, and gesture.  Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from physical strengthening exercises, instructive or repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids and introduction of strategies to facilitate functional communication.  Speech therapy may also include sign language and the use of picture symbols or Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS (OMD)

Orofacial myofunctional therapy involves or includes abnormal changes in the tongue and lip movements and rest positions that can lead to dental malocclusions and can even influence the growth of the jaw.  Myofunctional disorders, which include a forward rest posture of the tongue, open mouth rest posture of the lips, tongue thrusting, thumb/finger/tongue sucking can all result in abnormal dental conditions and may also affect facial appearance.  Airway and tethered oral tissue concerns are also included in OMD treatment. Treatment for an OMD is very intensive and requires practice multiple times a day and while eating.
 

FEEDING SERVICES

Feeding includes a variety of swallowing, sensory and oral-motor needs. Initially a feeding and oral-motor evaluation will take place. We look at the whole child when determining the best treatment plan for your child. If treatment is warranted, a combination of approaches will be utilized to help your child expand their foods.

BODYWORK SERVICES

Bodywork includes a combination of cranioscaral therapy (CST) and craniosacral fascial therapy (CFT). It is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the body's fascial system, which includes the connective tissue surrounding muscles, organs, and bones. This approach also works to optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the craniosacral system (the brain and spinal cord). CFT is designed to support the body's natural ability to heal itself and promote overall well-being.

CONFIDENTIALITY
In general, the privacy of all communications between a patient and a therapist is protected by law, and can only be released to others with your written permission, in accordance with HIPAA law and HIPAA privacy policies and procedures.  But there are a few exceptions; a judge may order testimony if he/she determines that the issues demand it and a therapist is legally obligated to take action to protect the patient, others, or self from harm.
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES (HIPAA)
I have received and read the Notice of Privacy Practices of Nolan Speech & Language Center.

(you may request a copy)

PROFESSIONAL FEES- Contact the front desk for specific fees.
Speech, Language, OMD, and Feeding Evaluations: Fees include a 60 – 90 minute appointment and a report. The evaluation results and a treatment plan will be discussed during the first treatment session. 

Therapy appointments: Fees include a 30 minute appointment- 25 minutes of therapy and 5 minutes for record keeping, billing, and patient home programming.  Appointments are available in 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
 
Telepractice: Telepractice sessions must be approved by the therapist. In office visits may be requested by the therapist at any time.

Body Work: Fees include a 30-60 minute appointment depending on the age of the patient.

Other Services: These fees are $20 for each 15 minutes spent completing a request.  This includes report writing, telephone messages lasting longer than 15 minutes, and preparation of records and/or treatment summaries. Fees may be adjusted from time to time, and you will be notified of this in advance.
 

INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
Speech and language therapy insurance benefits have increasingly become more complex; therefore, we do not directly bill insurance companies.  We will provide you with the appropriate codes and information you may need so that you, the patient, or guardian, can personally seek reimbursement.  We will fill out any necessary forms and provide you with whatever assistance we can in helping you receive the benefits to which you are entitled; however, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full timely payment of all fees, even if you are in dispute with your insurance company about what your benefits include.  If you plan on seeking reimbursement from your insurance company, we suggest calling beforehand to educate yourself on the reimbursement process and your benefits.
 

PAYMENTS
We are a private pay center and payment for all services is due at the time the service is provided.  We accept many forms of payment including cash, personal checks, credit cards, debit cards, and Health Saving Account (HSA) cards.  Our credit card service is HIPAA compliant.  If for any reason your account has not been paid for more than two weeks your service will discontinue until payment is made in full.  If the payment has not been paid within thirty days, an interest rate of 1.5% will be charged on all late fees accrued.  If payment continues to not be made in a timely, agreed upon manner, we have the option of using legal means to secure the payment.  This may involve hiring a collection agency or going through a small claims court.  If such legal action is necessary, its cost will be included in the claim.  In most collection situations, the only information that is released regarding a patient’s treatment is his/her name, provider name, the nature of the services provided, and the amount due.