Question 1

Do you accept Maryland Medicaid/Medical Assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Communication JOY! LLC is a Maryland Medicaid/Medical Assistance (http://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/medical-assistance/)Provider.

Question 2

Do you accept private insurance?

Accepted Answer

At this time, Communication JOY! LLC does not accept private insurance. We can provide a superbill (inclusive of diagnostic codes, services provided, and charges) for you to provide to your private insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. We advise that you call and check with your insurance company to clarify if and how you can be reimbursed for out-of-network speech-language evaluation and therapy services.

Question 3

What are the private pay fees? Are in-person fees different from teletherapy fees?

Accepted Answer

Out of pocket (private pay) fees for evaluation and treatment can be discussed during the complilmentary (free) 15-minute phone consultation.
 
Fees are the same, whether the service is provided in person or virtually (teletherapy). The same level of clinical expertise, skills, and time are being utilized, hence the same amount of fees being charged.

Question 4

Do you currently provide services in person? Are you vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

***12/28/2021 UPDATE: Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the state, and out of an abundance of caution for all families, all therapy sessions will be virtual. On January 28, 2022, we will reassess to determine if conditions allow for resuming safe in-person sessions.***
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Due to the ongoing pandemic, evaluation and therapy services are not currently offered in the office. Here are the current options for therapy:
 
(1) Teletherapy services for anyone in Maryland or the District of Columbia.
 
(2) Mobile (in-person) services in your home, daycare, preschool, private/charter school (where visitors are permitted). The provider wears a mask with a clear screen so the mouth is visible during therapy services. The provider is fully vaccinated and boosted.
Our mobile evaluation and therapy services in homes, daycares, and schools cater to Howard County and portions of Carroll County, Montgomery County, west Baltimore County, and west Anne Arundel County. Mobile services to other locations are on a case-by-case basis.

Question 5

Do you provided virtual speech therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Virtual therapy sessions are available for anyone located in Maryland and/or the District of Columbia.

Question 6

When do you close for holidays or inclement weather?

Accepted Answer

We observe the following federal holidays:
-New Year's Day
-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
-Memorial Day
-Independence Day
-Juneteenth
-Labor Day
-Thanksgiving Day weekend
 
We are closed from December 23rd - 31st.
 
We follow the inclement weather closings of the Howard County Public School System. If school is delayed or closed due to inclement weather in Howard County, then all in-person and virtual (tele-therapy) sessions scheduled during that date/time are canceled.

Question 7

Is there an additional charge if I choose to have evaluation and therapy services take place at my home or another location outside of the Communication JOY! office?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 8

If I am a private pay client, when is a payment due for services? What forms of payment do you accept?"

Accepted Answer

For private pay (non-Medicaid) clients, payment in full is due at the time of service.
 
Forms of payment accepted: cash, Zelle, check, money order, flex spending card, and debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard). There is a small additional fee for all card payments.

Question 9

What is the difference between a consultation, a screening, and an evaluation?"

Accepted Answer

A CONSULTATION is when the speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the potential client or parent/caregiver of the client speak briefly about the concerns to determine whether or not an evaluation is warranted.
 
A SCREENING usually happens in person, with a quick informal checklist and/or informal observation/interview with the potential client. A screening can determine whether or not an evaluation is warranted.
 
There is NO CHARGE for a 15-minute consultation (undefined)or a screening.
 
An EVALUATION is any combination of formal and informal assessments (tests), checklists, questionnaires, interviews, speech/language samples, and/or observations. The data from these formal and informal sources is analyzed to determine if a speech-language disorder is present and to determine if speech-language therapy services are warranted. Depending on the concerns, an evaluation can take anywhere from 45-minutes to 2 hours.
 
There is a flat fee for an evaluation and the fee includes the written evaluation report. Evaluation fees can be discussed during the 15-minute consultation.(undefined)