Central Texas Speech Pathology Services, Inc. (CTSPS) will continue to offer face-to-face therapeutic sessions in their offices.

Please see our COVID-19 protocols.

In addition to offering face-to-face sessions with non-transmittal protocols in place, we are offering online teletherapy sessions.

What do I need to do to initiate teletherapy sessions for me or my child?

You must sign an informed consent for the receipt of teletherapy services. Although you have signed a consent to treat when you came to the office, state and federal law requires that you sign a separate consent agreement that contains information about teletherapy before we can engage in use of this alternative service delivery modality.

Can I sign the consent for teletherapy without coming to the office?

Yes, you can. We can fax or email the consent to you. You may also elect to use a signing application such as Docusign.

Will my insurance reimburse for teletherapy sessions?

Yes. Insurance companies recognize teletherapy sessions as outpatient services. Teletherapy sessions are an excellent alternative during the current Coronavirus crisis. Your teletherapy sessions will be billed as always as outpatient speech-language therapy or swallowing therapy services with the appropriate modifier and with the modifier indicating the services were provided via teletherapy.

My child is small. Will my child benefit from teletherapy?

Yes, the benefits of teletherapy are well recognized. This does not mean that it is a substitute for face-to-face interactions in every environment, however, it is an excellent alternative service model given the current crisis.

If this therapy session is for my child, do I need to be present during the therapy session?

Yes, you do. Teletherapy requires that it meet the parameters of a therapeutic session, and given the age of the child, that includes having the parent present during the online session.

Does it need to be in a private setting?

Yes. As this is therapy, insurance requires that you be in a private setting as this allows this to be a therapeutic interaction and does not violate privacy acts.

Will I have the same therapist for the therapy sessions as I do in the office?

Yes. However, there may be some circumstances in which your care will be transferred to another therapist, but we do not anticipate changes in therapists currently assigned to you.

Will my therapy be scheduled at the same time as it currently is in the office?

Perhaps. We will be contacting patients that currently have appointments scheduled. You must email or call the office, inform us of your intent, sign the consent for teletherapy, and then establish and confirm a schedule for your therapy session.

I have a copayment and deductible. Will that continue to apply?

Yes. Insurance companies do not allow us to waive copayments or deductibles. If you wish to do telehealth and have a copayment or deductible as quoted by your insurance company, you will be asked to put a credit card on file with the office.

There is a no-show policy in the office with a $45 fee. Will this apply to teletherapy?

Yes. With exception of difficulty initiating the first session, we will charge a $45 fee if you do not cancel your session with 24-hour advance notice. As always, there are extenuating circumstances in which we do not apply this penalty.

What if I have difficulty connecting with the platform for my first session?

Please call the office at (512) 327-6179 and let them know of your difficulty. There are no charges for sessions not rendered.

How will I know my privacy has been maintained?

Central Texas Speech Pathology Services has signed a Business Associate Agreement with a portal (TheraPlatform) that is HIPAA compliant.

What if I have additional concerns?

Please see the postings on our website or email us at main@centraltexasspeech.com or telephone us at (512) 327-6179.

What will I need to engage in teletherapy?

You will need a connection to the internet and a computer with a camera and microphone or a computer with ancillary camera and microphone. As long as your email is accessible, a smart phone or iPad can also be used.