The questions on this page are the most commonly asked. If you can not locate your answer here, feel free to contact us.

Does a family member or caregiver have to be at each session?

If the client requires someone to help them in the bathroom with toileting needs, a caregiver competent to provide those needs is to be present at all sessions. In addition, for sessions completed out in the community, a caregiver is responsible for transportation to and from the activity.

I have original Medicare (the "red,white, & blue" card). How do I use my benefits for your services?

I am a participating original Medicare provider. A physician’s order for speech therapy is not required by Medicare, but your physician is required to “approve” your treatment plan, also known as a Plan of Care (POC). You are responsible for the deductible and copays. After the evaluation, the report will be sent to the physician you list, and if he/she does not approve the POC, Medicare will not pay for your services and you will be responsible to pay for the services rendered.

Moral of the story: If you want your Medicare to reimburse for services, talk with your physician about your desire for speech therapy before the evaluation. Let me know if you need assistance in this area during the consultation.

I have a Medicare Advantage or other commercial insurance plan. How do I use my benefits for your services?

I am in-network with BlueCross BlueShield of TN Medicare Advantage PPO, Blue Network P, and Blue Network S.

I am also able to accept most PPO plans. Check with your insurance provider before the evaluation to see if they offer out-of-network benefits and how to submit those claims. Such benefits may allow you to be reimbursed for some or all of your out-of-pocket expense.

Is there a cure for aphasia?

There is no medical cure for aphasia. However, growing research supports people with aphasia are able to make improvements with their communication when given access to appropriate speech therapy services. Improvements can be made even years after onset.

What is the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA)?

LPAA is holistic, patient-centered approach utilized by aphasia programs across the world to address the communication needs of people with aphasia (PWA). This approach to treatment:

Allows PWA to determine how, and with whom, they want to communicate.
Facilitates communication access for activities that are meaningful to PWA.
Calls on the community, and especially healthcare providers, to increase communication access for PWA

RESPOND feels that this approach best tackles the needs of the PWA and their family, and incorporates it in all aspects of care.

What makes therapy 'intensive,' and shouldn't it be for everyone?

Intensive treatment typically refers to the frequency at which treatment is provided (Ex. 1 session per week versus 5 sessions per week). However, how much quality treatment provided each session is just as important. RESPOND offers sessions lasting up to 90-minutes for clients who can tolerate the higher doses of treatment. Clients can be in any stage of aphasia recovery, but are usually in chronic stage---6-12 months after onset. While there is no "magic number" when it comes to the number of sessions or treatment time, overall evidence supports greater functional gains when the right treatment is delivered in an intensive manner.