CLINICAL AFFAIRS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I obtain information regarding average salary range for Speech-Language Pathologists in the state of Missouri?

The best source of information regarding salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website via the following link:

http://www.asha.org/NR/rdonlyres/7892C46C-7CAC-4C41-9BF0-1115FOF99F38/0/annualsal_re

Review of the report on the ASHA website should prove helpful in providing a starting point for obtaining information regarding both annual and hourly information. The report includes information on differences based on rural and urban locations as well as information regarding variability related to years of experience.

Do HIPAA regulations apply to me?

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, regulations pertaining to transactions, privacy, and security apply to speech pathologists and audiologists who electronically bill insurance companies for their services or use a clearinghouse to do so. The legislation is designed to protect consumers of medical services. HIPAA regulations regarding to transaction codes and privacy are already in effect. The deadline for compliance with the Security rule is April 20, 2005. For more information about these regulations, to view frequently asked questions about HIPAA, or to obtain educational materials regarding HIPAA, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa2. ASHA members can also contact ASHA’s Director of Health Care Regulatory Advocacy at 800-571-0482.

What does ASHA say about speech implementers or speech assistants?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has both a position statement and guidelines regarding the training, use, and supervision of speech-language assistants that can be found on the ASHA website at http://www.asha.org. ASHA provides that SLP assistants are to be used to supplement the services provided by ASHA certified speech-language pathologists, and are not to be used as a substitute. ASHA also provides a list of frequently asked questions regarding SLP assistants that can be accessed via the following link: http://www.asha.org/about/membership-certification/faq_slpasst.htm.

Where can I learn more about the Medicare Fee Schedule?

ASHA now provides the Medicare Fee Schedule for Speech-Language Pathologists on the ASHA website. The document provides an overview of the fee schedule and provides additional helpful information, such as information on revisions relevant to Speech-Language Pathologists. It lists all procedures used by Speech-Language Pathologists, as well as information on accessing payment figures based on geographic location. This document is available at http://www.asha.org/members/issues/reimbursement/medicare/analysis-2005