EVALUATION PROCESS

If you are concerned about you or your loved one’s communication or swallowing, first talk to your doctor.
Even if your insurance does not require referrals, insurance requires us to have physician documentation for speech therapy coverage.
Once we have received medical documentation from your doctor, we will put you on our waiting list.
When we have availability, we will reach out to you to schedule an evaluation with Beyond Speech Therapy.
Our administrative staff will send you an intake packet that is required before your assessment. Our intake packets can also be found on our website.
On the date of your evaluation, we request you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Due to limited time and resources, we ask that your intake paperwork be completed at time of arrival. Unfortunately, if paperwork is not completed prior to your appointment time, your evaluation will be rescheduled and you will incur a cancellation fee of $65.

INTAKE FORMS

CHILDREN'S FEEDING INTAKE FORM

BIOFEEDBACK / NEUROFEEDBACK PRICING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ'S

We get it! The name “Speech-Language Pathology” can be misleading. Here are some common questions about our field answered by our SLPs.

I have trouble swallowing. Why would I need a speech therapist?

Swallowing disorders fall under the Speech-Language Pathologist’s scope of practice. At Beyond Speech Therapy we will first see you for an in-office consultation to review your medical charts, complete a case history interview, do an oral motor examination to get a better understanding of how your cranial nerves and swallowing-related structures are functioning, and provide you with personalized education regarding your case. Then, we will schedule a Modified Barium Swallow Study (see below for more information). Once that is complete, we can create a personalized plan of care based on what was observed during the study. This includes various combinations of electrical stimulation to the swallowing musculature, exercises to increase strength, postures that improve swallow safety, diet changes, and safe swallow strategies. The goal is to avoid aspirating material into the lungs, choking, and residue being left behind after swallowing.

What is a Modified Barium Swallow Study?

A Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) is frequently confused with a Barium Swallow Test, which is used to diagnose problems with the gastrointestinal tract. However, an MBSS is a different test and is completed by a Speech-Language Pathologist to diagnose swallowing problems in mouth, throat, and esophagus. During this procedure, the patient sits in front of an x-ray machine and swallows food and liquid mixed with barium. Barium is “radiopaque” meaning it will show up on the x-ray. This helps the SLP see what is happening during the swallow.

How do I initiate services with Beyond Speech Therapy?

We require a doctor referral prior to seeing any new patient at BST. To speed up the process, visit your doctor about your communication and swallow concerns. Once your doctor has sent us your information, we will contact you when we have availability. Each patient must fill out an intake packet which is available on our website and will also be sent to you via email.

What is the difference between a Speech Therapist and a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Nothing! Both are acceptable and considered interchangeable.

Isn’t speech therapy just for kids?

Nope! Speech Therapy is for all ages – birth through elderly! We evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, swallowing, feeding, voice, cognition, and fluency disorders. We teach these skills to pediatrics and rehabilitate these areas in adults.

I don’t have trouble with my speech. Why would I need to see a speech therapist?

Like we said, it’s so much more than “just” speech! We are the communication and swallowing specialists.

My child is very young! Why would they need Speech Therapy already?

Communication starts long before a child develops the physical ability to produce words. Each age group has different developmental milestones for communication starting from birth! If you are concerned about your child’s communication development, the earlier the better when it comes to intervention. You can refer to the checklist below for detailed milestone information. If you feel your baby or toddler isn’t meeting them, talk to your doctor for a Speech Therapy referral.

See Milestone Checklist

Which insurances do we currently accept?

Medicare
CenCal
Blue Shield
TriCare
Coastal Communities Physician Network (CCPN)

Unfortunately, we are no longer in-network with Blue Cross and United Healthcare. However, we will continue to send claims electronically to the insurance company for your own reimbursement.

Cash pay and CareCredit is also an option.

If your insurance is not listed above, please contact our office for additional information.

Intake Forms