HELPFUL INFORMATION
About Working with Tiny Talkers South Shore
Don't see your question below?
Don't worry, we're here to help! Email your question directly to the owner, Julie Gardner, at jgardner@tinytalkerssouthshore.com or call to discuss at 781-214-0370
What does therapy look like and how long is it?
Treatment sessions differ based on your child’s unique strengths, interests, and challenges. For little ones, treatment is often play-based, and skill-building is integrated into the activities they are engaged in and motivated by, as well as daily routines. We will sing songs, play, read books, and have fun while improving your child's ability to communicate. Sessions are either 30 or 45 minutes to allow for time to engage in therapeutic modeling and activities, as well as time for parent coaching, providing tips/homework and discussion. For older children, we often read books, enjoy literacy based learning activities, play board games and occasionally we can use apps and other technology to support our skills.
Do I need a doctor's referral or diagnosis to begin?
Nope! Speech-language pathologists are able to see clients without a doctor’s prescription.
My child didn't qualify for Early Intervention from the state of Massachusetts, can you still work with them?
YES! The state has strict requirements for the severity of the delay or disability to ensure they can provide services to those who need help the most. But, your child is still able to receive speech and language therapy even if they aren't "delayed enough" for Early Intervention. By seeking private speech and language therapy, we can address any concerns you may have.
My child didn't qualify for school based speech and language services, can you still work with with them?
YES! Schools are required to prove that a speech and language delay is having an adverse effect on a child's ability to access the educational curriculum. When parent's choose to seek private speech and language services, there is no "red tape" or limitations as to what we can work on.
Do you accept insurance?
Tiny Talkers South Shore does not accept insurance and is considered "out of network" or private pay. We accept credit cards, checks, or cash pay. This can include using your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as therapy qualifies as a health-related expense. Medicare is not accepted. You may wish to submit your own form for reimbursement from your out-of-network benefits if you wish. Families are sometimes able to receive reimbursement for some or all of their therapy costs.
What types of payment do you accept?
We currently accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. In addition, the majority of speech and language therapy services can be paid for using your flexible spending account (FSA) or healthcare savings account (HSA). Payment is required at the time of service.
How do I receive out-of-network reimbursement?
If you wish you submit out-of-network therapy for reimbursement to your insurance company, we will provide you with an invoice for therapy, or "super bill". The invoice contains information on the therapy diagnosis, treatment codes, session times, fees paid, and a description of the services provided. Please call your insurance company before scheduling your first session to ask these essential questions about your out-of-network benefits: 1. Does my policy cover a licensed speech-language pathologist who is out-of-network? 2. My speech-language pathologist only reports session dates, CPT codes, diagnosis, and payment. Is any more information required? 3. What percent of the allowed amount will you cover? 4. What is my out-of-network deductible and co-payment? 5. Does my policy cover charges for missed or canceled sessions?
What is your attendance and cancellation policy?
While Tiny Talkers South Shore understands that illnesses and emergencies occur, we respectfully request that you avoid frequent cancellations or “no shows”. Please adhere to our following policy regarding providing our office with advance notification for any cancellations resulting from a conflicting appointment, vacation, obligations for work or family, or any other event. Clients are allotted 2 cancellations without 24 hours' notice per year (This does not include a “no show” appointment). The 2 free cancellations are for illnesses/emergencies AND if the clients have attempted to reach Tiny Talkers South Shore in order to notify and/or reschedule the appointment. A fee of $50 may be assessed if the following occurs: (This fee will be billed directly to the client and not their health insurance company, as medical insurance does not provide coverage for missed sessions.) If clients have already used their 2 free “less than 24 hours notice cancellations” and proceed to cancel with less than 24 hours notice. A fee of $40-$400 may be assessed if the following occurs (fee is determined by the cost of service for a no-show appointment): (This fee will be billed directly to the client and not their health insurance company, as medical insurance does not provide coverage for missed sessions.) If the client fails to show up for a scheduled appointment and no attempt was made to reach out to Tiny Talkers South Shore, the client will be charged the entire fee for the session. If you reschedule or are late for 3 or more scheduled appointments within 2 calendar months, the office will reserve the right to discharge the client. Additionally, if you arrive late for a scheduled appointment, the session will still end at the scheduled time with the full amount charged. If you fail to appear for an appointment (no show) without providing the appropriate advance notification for 3 or more appointments within 2 months, the office will reserve the right to cancel all pending appointments and to no longer offer services to you as a client.