FAQ

When you have either a breakdown in communication or a specific communication disorder and therapeutic services will help to improve, if not eliminate, that breakdown or disorder.

When fine motor skills have been affected by lack of development due to different factors, including neurological history, sensory integration, functional activities of daily living and therapeutic services will help to improve, if not eliminate, that lack of development.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments, where children are non-verbal, or where verbal communication is not functional. There are numerous modalities available ranging from written aids, to picture based symbol systems, to speech generating devices. AAC can be a permanent addition to a person’s communication or a temporary aid while they recover use of their voice.

No, we are not. However, the insurance companies classify the services we offer as medical, rather than behavioral.

No, we are a privately owned and operated corporation.

During the school year, we generally are available for therapy Monday – Friday from 9am until 6pm with occasional Saturday appointments. Once summer begins, we offer therapy Monday – Friday from 9am until 6pm. However, our therapists are very accommodating and will try their best to set up a schedule that is convenient for you and your family.

Generally, we see children ranging from 2 years until young adults, and even some adults. However, there are exceptions, so please feel free to ask.

While all of our speech/language pathologists have earned their Master’s Degree in order to obtain their credentials in the speech/language pathology field, they do have certain areas that they prefer to work in and hence, are also more experienced in. All of our occupational therapists have also earned their Master’s Degree and each of them is well experienced in all aspects of the occupational therapy field. All of Talkabout Inc.’s therapists are licensed to work in the state of Alaska.

We currently have a waiting list. Please call the office for more information. In order to expedite the process, we suggest you obtain a prescription from your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible. Then, when an opening becomes available, we will contact you and schedule your child for an appointment.

Yes, they do. We are not Doctors, so we are required to have a prescription from a Doctor before we can treat your child.

The prescription needs to state that it is specifically for an Evaluation and Therapy, for either Speech or Occupational Therapy. The prescription must be signed by the Doctor; it must be dated by the Doctor; it must state that it is for either a “Speech or Occupational Therapy Evaluation” as well as either “Speech or Occupational Therapy”. It must also state that the child is being referred specifically to Talkabout, not just recommended for therapy in general.

A copy of the prescription is fine-an original is not necessary. We also accept faxed copies of these.

First, we ask you to fill out a registration form that includes personal information, insurance information and medical history. Second, the therapist will “evaluate” your child. This means that they will ask your child several questions and also ask them to do several different tasks to “test” their abilities. Once these have been completed, the therapist will write a report that details what the results of the tests were. They will also write up a Plan of Care to lay out a set of goals for your child to achieve over the next few months. You will be mailed a copy of these 2 reports, and a copy will also go to your child’s pediatrician.

Our therapy sessions generally last for 60 minutes. Sessions may be shorter based on the needs of the client. Your child may work with an Assistant (SLP-A), under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) for 30 of those minutes.

That depends on the needs of your child. Generally, we see clients once a week, but we do also see clients daily, if necessary. You and your child’s therapist will discuss what is in the best interest of your child.

We offer several different services, and rates are subject to change, so please feel free to call us and we will gladly quote you the rate over the phone.

Yes, we do bill your insurance company as a courtesy to you. However, we do need to be kept aware of your current insurance information and notified of any changes regarding your policy immediately.

Each health plan is different, so we suggest you contact your insurance company to see what services are covered under your particular plan. We recommend that you specifically ask if they cover “developmental” and “rehabilitative” issues. If they state that they only cover “restorative” services, then often times this means that they will not cover speech or occupational therapy. We do have a list of codes that we generally use to bill for our services, and we will gladly provide them to you when you decide to call them. Ultimately, the charges for our services are your responsibility, so we strongly urge you to contact your insurance company before beginning therapy so you are aware of any potential charges.

Yes, you are. However, if your child is enrolled in Medicaid or Denali Kid Care, then, by law, we cannot bill you for any charges that Medicaid does not cover. However, this does not apply if you allow your eligibility to slip. It is your responsibility to keep your eligibility up to date. If therapy services occur while your child is not eligible, then you will be responsible for the charges incurred. The same applies if your child is covered under Tricare. If your child is denied authorization under Tricare, and you choose to continue therapy, then the charges become your responsibility.