Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an initial intake before the evaluation?
Empire Speech and Swallow wants to make the best use of your time. In order to fully dedicate your evaluation time to assessing the issue as entirely as possible, an initial intake is required to assure that the Speech Language Pathologist is fully prepared for your first session.
Is teletherapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?
Teletherapy, for the right client, is every bit as effective for your speech and swallowing needs. Actually, because teletherapy eliminates things like having to fit appointments in normal business hours, transportation, commuting time, weather considerations, or childcare needs, many patients are able to have more consistent therapy with better compliance to recommendations. If certain barriers are proving to make teletherapy ineffective, the speech language pathologist will readily discuss this with you and make appropriate recommendations for alternative treatment.
How long does an evaluation take?
Your speech or swallowing evaluation will vary based on your needs. A thorough evaluation will require 60-90 minutes. We may ask you to provide some information ahead of time so as much of your evaluation time as possible is spent on the actual assessment.
Why do you not accept insurance?
By operating privately, we can avoid many of the pitfalls of traditional insurance requirements: limited coverage, maxing out on visits, requiring specific tests during evaluation processes.
This way, Empire Speech and Swallow can operate fully committed to it’s mission: providing patient-centered care, giving each individual what they need, however much they may need, where they need it. Treatment will be determined by the expert and the patient/family - not the insurance company.
Do I have a say in what we focus on in therapy?
Yes! Every speech therapy patient should have a say in what areas they want to focus on. This is called patient-centered care, and is at the forefront of our rehabilitation mission. After your evaluation, the SLP will discuss the most prominent areas of need. Therapy goals will be determined based on these needs, and your personal goals.
Will our sessions be private?
Always! Empire Speech and Swallow fully adheres to all HIPAA requirements. We will never share any of your personal information beyond what is required for financial purposes, and all required documentation and payment HIPAA compliant.
For our teletherapy clients, we assure HIPAA-level privacy as well on our HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms. As private as you can make your environment at home, we assure that teletherapy is between you and your trusted SLP only. Sessions are occasionally recorded for speech samples, voice assessment, or biofeedback - but these are always done with your advanced consent, and never attached to any identifying patient information.