Rationale:

Searching for a private audiologist or speech-language pathologist for yourself or someone else can be overwhelming. The list of available professionals providing private services can be long, making it difficult to find someone who can provide the services you need. Here is a list of questions to help you find the right professional to meet your needs.

Fees and General Questions:

• Do you carry Commercial General Liability Insurance?
• Where are you located?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Do I pay for your travel time and/or mileage?
• Do you work independently or as part of a team?
• Will I be working with you or with someone else from the clinic?
• What are the qualifications of the other members of your team?
• What are your fees? (SASLPA does not set fee schedules.  Private practitioners have the flexibility to establish their own rates.)
• Are private services covered under my Saskatchewan Health Services card? (Private speech and language services are not covered through your Saskatchewan Health Services card; however, many health insurance plans will cover some of your speech therapy services and you should check with your service provider.)
• If receiving services from a Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology Assistant will they be covered by my insurer? (Each insurance provider may have different coverage.  You should check with your service provider.)
• What are your hours?
• Do I have to sign a contract agreement or statement of understanding?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do you provide a breakdown of costs for all services and devices?

Service Area and Processes:

• What services do you provide in the area of…?
• Do you have the necessary equipment to test…?
• What is included in your assessment?
• Is a written report provided?
• Is it extra or included in the cost of the assessment?
• Are test materials current and relevant to the concerns presented?
• What is included in treatment?
• What can I expect on my first visit?
• How frequently do I receive progress reports?
• Who should be involved?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important for me to do this?
• What does a session look like?
• Can I be in the room?
• What do you do if my child is scared or unhappy?

Experience and Education:

• How much experience do you have with…?

• Approximately how many individuals have you treated with …?
• What type of continuing education or specific training have you completed in the area of…?

Private practitioners should be very willing to answer any and all of your questions.  If they are unwilling to provide any answers or documents you have requested, find a practitioner that will.

Acknowledgement:  CSASK would like to acknowledge the Speech and Hearing Association of Nova Scotia (SHANS) for use of portions of their “What questions should I ask a private Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist?” document.