Clinical Fees Policies
My professional fees, like those of other speech-language pathologists in private practice, are NOT covered by The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (or by any other branch of the Ontario Government). Clients who have private health insurance coverage for speech-language pathology (or "speech therapy") services through their employer are normally able to submit claims to the insurance company for reimbursement (up to the maximum amount to which they are entitled). It is the responsibility of ALL clients to investigate their insurance eligibility, and to submit their own claims for reimbursement. For those clients who do NOT have private health insurance coverage for speech-language pathology, there may be other sources of funding we can investigate, such as Veterans Affairs Canada or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Billing Procedures
I charge clients an hourly rate that applies to the time I spend face-to-face with them, and to professional services rendered on their behalf when we are not spending time face-to-face. This practice is consistent with what is recommended by the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA), and with what other speech-language pathologists in private practice do. All charges are itemized on the invoice I present to clients at the time of payment. All invoices also include my name, profession title, and College registration number, to ensure that the claims submission process goes smoothly for clients who intend to submit claims for reimbursement. I normally bill clients directly at the end of every session, and expect payment in full, at that time. I currently accept payments in cash, by electronic money transfer, and by Paypal. Other forms of payment may be possible in the near future.