New Patient FAQ
New patients have a lot of questions about what I do and how I can help. Here are some common questions I have answered over the years. I would advise that you read this Q&A before you contact me for an appointment. If you are a new patient and need to fill out forms, please go to the Office Forms page.
I do not accept insurance and I am considered an “Out of Network” provider. I do give each client a receipt (superbill) each session to submit but it is the patient’s responsibility to know what their plan covers and what procedures need to be followed. Please be aware that some companies require a script or a pre-authorization prior to services. I am happy to fill out forms if needed; however, I must ask that the patient provide all the required paperwork.
NOTE: In accordance with NJ P.L. 2018, c. 32, I must inform you that you may be covered in network at a lesser rate and have every right to pursue finding a provider who accepts your insurance.
This means that I do not participate with insurances as an “in network” provider. I collect fees at the time of the session, and it is the patient’s responsibility to mail/fax the invoices to the insurance. Your insurance may or may not allow you to be reimbursed for services outside your provider network. HMO and Medicaid do not reimburse for out of network providers, but PPO’s do if speech is covered and medically necessary.
In NJ, some plans must follow the Chapter 115 Law on Autism and Developmental Disabilities which prohibits them from denying speech therapy to a child with autism or other developmental disabilities.
I specialize in oral motor, feeding, Oral Placement, PROMPT, Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs / tongue tie), orofacial myofunctional, Beckman Oral Motor, voice and articulation therapies. I treat children and adults with low tone, CP, Down syndrome, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, tongue-tie, facial palsy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum disorder, and a variety of diagnoses that inhibit expressive language and clear articulation due to poor oral motor planning and/or execution.
I also provide Vocology service including vocal hygiene, professional voice coaching and Myofunctional therapy for tongue tied singers, actors and other professional voice users.
If you need a referral for other speech/language services, I suggest Good Talking People in Teaneck, Brave Wings in Fairfield or Speech and Hearing Associates in Fort Lee. For more on my services, please see the Services page.
I must conduct an evaluation for each new patient without exception unless you have had a full orofacial myofunctional/feeding evaluation with either a TalkTools® advanced level therapist or a Certified Orofacial Myologist® within 12 weeks of scheduling. Insurances often request medical necessity so without a report you may be denied services. A clinical baseline is critical to designing a treatment plan.
Evaluation fees are determined by age/diagnosis and length of appointment and will be discussed at the time of booking.
All appointments are arranged via email. I am a solo practice and do my own scheduling, therefore I have limited time for phone calls. In general, I have a 4–12 week wait for evaluations depending on the time of year. Each evaluation requires a signed evaluation policy and deposit within 7 days of scheduling. Once this is received, I will review records and forms.
Required forms are found on the Office Forms page.
This is determined by: 1) cooperation in therapy, 2) attendance, 3) carryover in the home, 4) cognitive status, 5) diagnosis, and 6) severity of the presenting problem. There is no ethical way to predict how long therapy will take or how many sessions are required. I do not offer packaged services or programs, but rather individualized care.
Teletherapy may be paid by credit card. In person sessions may be paid by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards have fees — by limiting their use, the office can avoid rate increases.
Like most medical appointments, a provider cannot provide medical advice without an evaluation. Therefore it is important to maintain the integrity of the evaluation by following a tried and true protocol. Appointments are scheduled, and as part of the evaluation process, a virtual interview is conducted after the office receives the evaluation deposit, paperwork and all required information.
If you would like to learn about Robyn’s credentials please see the About Me page, testimonials and publications to learn more.
Please go to the Appointments tab. Fill out the contact form, indicating you have read “new patient information” and let me know you would like to schedule. I will email you back with dates, times and fees. If you do not hear from me within 2 business days please email me directly at robynslp95@aol.com.