Speech pathologists work diligently to return all aspects of the patient’s overall communication and swallowing function after all types of injuries. For adults who suffer from some type of cognitive impairment, speech pathologists work with the patient and their family to target trouble areas which hinder them from living their normal, daily life. This could include short term/long term memory, speech production, auditory comprehension, written language or vocal dysfunctions. Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, are common with these types of injuries. Speech pathologists exercise the muscles involved in the swallowing process to decrease the risk for aspiration and increase the overall swallow function.
For adults and children alike, communication is imperative, and the speech pathologists hold the key to a patient’s success. If you are concerned and feel that our therapy services may help you. Please contact and discuss this with your primary care or treating physician.

Speech Therapy is involved with a wide variety of diagnoses including:

• Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Neurological disorders (ALS, Parkinson’s)
• Vocal Dysfunction
• Pediatric Disorders (Autism, Developmental Delay, Speech/language delay)
• Bell’s Palsy

Questions about what to expect on your first visit and more..

Questions about billing..

Contact us today for your appointment at 256.401.4662

WHAT IS SPEECH THERAPY?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, cleft palate, vocal cord damage, surgery, or general speech delays.

DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FROM MY DOCTOR TO COME TO THERAPY?

Yes. You will need a prescription from a physician. This can be your family physician or a specialist you have seen for a specific injury or problem, such as a neurologist, gastroenterologist, or an ENT.

HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?

Typically each session lasts about an hour.

HOW OFTEN DO I ATTEND?

The frequency of your follow up treatments greatly depend on the diagnosis. At the time of your evaluation, your therapist will evaluate you thoroughly and determine the best frequency for you. However, typical treatments will be 2-3 times per week.

DO I NEED TO PERFORM MY EXERCISES AT HOME?

Once you have been evaluated, the therapist may give you a list of exercises for you to perform at home. These exercises may change as you progress through the program, but performing these exercises at home as instructed is vitally important to your recovery.

IS PRIVACY MAINTAINED?

Yes, all of your information is private and only discussed with staff members who are part of your treatment.

HOW IS PROGRESS MAINTAINED?

During each session, a specialized plan of care is followed using techniques and exercises designed specifically for you. These techniques are documented along with your response to the treatment. Every 30 days, your physician is updated with a progress note outlining your performance, any complications and/or any progress you have made.

DO I NEED A PRECERTIFICATION BEFORE I COME TO SPEECH THERAPY?

Precertifications depend on the type of insurance. If you have specific questions, we suggest contacting your insurance company directly to see if a precert is required. (However, if you have any questions or concerns please call our office and we will be glad to help the best way possible.)

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

On your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of your problem based on the diagnosis given by your physician. This includes a history, reports of the onset of the current problem, specific tests and measurements to assess your current level of function. After the evaluation is completed, the therapists will discuss the findings with you and develop a plan of care. Treatments are rendered on the first visit as appropriate.

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE?

Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessments with each visit. Treatments are designed to decrease increase your communication and cognitive functions through retraining your brain pathways.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START SPEECH THERAPY?

In most cases, therapy should begin as soon as possible. Early treatment improves the potential of a full recovery and decreases the length of time in treatment. There are some instances when waiting is better, but your physician will guide you with those injuries.

SHOULD I ASK MY DOCTOR TO REFER ME IF I NEED IT?

Absolutely! Ask your doctor if you feel speech therapy could help you and let us get you started with a treatment program that can get you back to your prior function without wasted time.

HOW CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Call our Therapy Department Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at 256-401-4662 and we will be glad to schedule an appointment. If you have a referral, you can drop it by our office and we can get you scheduled then. If you call your physician, they can fax the referral to us at 256-401-4660 and we will call you when we have your referral in hand.

BILLING FAQ’S

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH BILLING QUESTIONS?

All of our billing is handled in our therapy office by our front office personnel. You can contact us directly at 256-401-4662.

ARE YOU IN OUR NETWORK?

We accept a wide range of insurance plans. If you have a question about your specific plan, please feel free to call us at 256-401-4662.

We also make arrangements for those patients who do not have insurance through our patient financial counselors. You can contact them directly at 256-401-4017.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER SPEECH THERAPY?

Most insurance plans do cover Speech Therapy services. The amount and type of coverage vary from plan to plan. Before your initial visit, our office will verify your coverage, co-pay and any deductible so you will be aware of your financial responsibility before your first visit.