What is speech language pathology?

A speech language pathologist is a member of the health care team that is specially trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) complete a 5-6 year degree emphasizing medical, biological, and psychological sciences. SLP’s are licensed by the State of New York and are required to take continuing education courses in order to renew licensure.

Who can benefit from speech language pathology?
Speech, language or swallowing difficulties can be cause by congenital, developmental or acquired problems including:

1) Stroke
2) Brain injury
3) Head/Neck Caner
4) Respiratory illness requiring tracheotomy, and or ventilator dependence
5) Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy or ALS ( Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
6) Abuse, misuse, paralysis and disease of the vocal cords
7) Severe or long term illness
8) Developmental Delays
9) Learning Disabilities
10) Cleft Palate
11) Mental Retardation
12) Hearing loss

Goals of SLP:
Speech-language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient’s needs. For individuals with little or no speech capability, speech-language pathologists may select augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use. They teach patients how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more effectively. They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop, or recover, reliable communication and swallowing skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles.

Swallowing Evaluations:
Lakeside offers 2 varieties of swallowing evaluations, one that is performed in the clinic, and the other is a radiographic study called either a Modified Barium Swallow Study or a Video Swallow study.

In either case, the studies are used to determine, if the patient is able to swallow safely, and what consistency of food, is the safest for that individual. Following the study, the patient and/or care giver will be educated on proper eating/feeding techniques to prevent aspiration, as well as what types of food would be the safest mode of nutrition.

The Speech Language Pathologist will sometime recommend modifications to the patient’s diet consistency due to dysphagia.

Food Consistencies:
Regular – no restrictions to diet consistency

Soft – Easily chewed solids, require minimal chewing before swallowing. Generally moist fork-tender solids.

Pureed – food is blenderized to a smooth consistency. No chewing is required before swallowing. Thickened liquids may be necessary for some individuals with swallowing difficulties.

Nectar thickened liquids – liquids are thickened to a nectar-like consistency (same thickness as tomato juice or apricot nectar).

Honey thickened liquids – liquids are thickened to a honey – like consistency (same thickness as a thick milkshake).

NPO (nothing by mouth) –alternative forms a nutrition will need to be investigated. IV nutrition is a short term alternative, and a feeding tube is a long term solution.

How does my physician know how I am doing?
Communication with your physician occurs by sending a copy of your initial evaluation, discharge summary and, in some cases, progress note. Many times, communication with regard to your case occurs via telephone. Your physician will also evaluate your progress from treatment at your visits to his or her office.

Please do not hesitate to ask our staff any questions that you may have at any time. We are here to serve you but need and appreciate your participation in that process.

How often will I need to come for SLP?
Your physician and/or your speech language pathologist will determine the frequency of your treatment based on your condition, and in some cases, your insurance regulations. In some cases, you will be given a home exercise program as part of your treatment. It is imperative that you carry out this program to maximize your rehabilitation. Your treatment sessions will last as long as you are making functional improvements in compliance with your physician's prescription. Your insurance policy may limit reimbursement to a certain number of visits.

Do i need a prescription/referral for Speech language Pathology? In New York State, an SLP, must have a prescription/referral from a physician, dentist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner to treat a patient, and receive insurance reimbursement. We may evaluate or give preventive education without a physician's referral. Our policy is to honor a prescription for treatment for one month. You will be required to get another prescription for treatment from your physician to continue beyond one month. In addition, your insurer may require an insurance referral and/or pre-authorization for reimbursement.

Will my insurance pay for SLP?
Insurance coverage and authorizations vary by carrier and change constantly. If there is a question, please contact your health insurance carrier. Many insurance companies require prior authorization, co-payments by the patient and/or extensive paperwork from our office. Patients are responsible for co-insurance payment at the time of treatment. If your insurance company requires prior authorization, it is your responsibility to make sure your physician obtains the authorization and to keep track of visits used. If authorization is needed and not received by your first appointment, treatment will be postponed until an authorization is obtained.

How do I schedule my appointments?
To schedule your first visit (initial evaluation) contact the scheduling office at 585-395-6093, or stop into our office. The office can be located by entering the hospital through the Emergency entrance, proceeding past the central registration desk, taking the first right, and we are the second door on the left.

It is your responsibility to schedule your follow up appointments each week. You are expected to attend your scheduled appointment unless an emergency arises, in which case, you should contact our office 24 hours in advance. Cancellations and no-shows are documented and reported to the insurance company and referring physician. It is our policy that only patients are allowed into the treatment area. This is to protect your privacy and that of our other patients.