MEDICARE Services

Speech-Language Pathologists are now independent providers accepting assignment for Medicare Services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

We are Bilingual and can serve Spanish speaking clients.

If you have Medicare Part-B; require evaluation and treatment to regain and strengthen speech-language skills for problems with:

• Speech
• Voice
• Language
• Cognitive-communication (thinking, memory, and attention)
• Swallowing

Then you can now be seen by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in private practice when you need covered services.

What changed?

SLPs were previously not eligible to enroll as an independent payee with Medicare. This changed as of July 1, 2009 and SLPs can now enroll with Medicare and bill for their services. Your physician,still needs to approve the plan of care developed by the SLP. While an order is not necessary for the SLP to evaluate or begin treating the patient your physician can provide such an order to get services started sooner. Your physician, will need to certify the plan of care and re-certify according to established Medicare guidelines. You pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

What does this mean to me and my doctor?

Some patients may not have easy access to an SLP, particularly those who live in rural areas where there are no outpatient clinics nearby. Even those in urban areas may have to travel a significant distance to see an SLP across town.

Now, you and your doctor have access to local SLPs in private practice. This means that you will more easily get the services needed to improve your communication and swallowing functioning and overall quality of life.

Multi-Language Kids is not in my area, how can I find an SLP in my area?

Go to www.asha.org/findpro to locate SLPs in your area. Or, have your doctor consider referring to an ASHA-certified professional:

For more information about the services provided by SLPs, go to www.asha.org.